The restricted fire zone (RFZ) that has been imposed on northwestern Ontario and a small part of the northeast since July 15 is scheduled to be removed on Thursday morning.
Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) intends to officially cancel the order at 12:01 a.m. ET.
During a restricted fire zone, open-air burning, including campfires, is prohibited. Once this restriction is lifted, people will be permitted to start fires no earlier than two hours before sunset and must extinguish them no later than two hours after sunrise. However, specific regulations on fire ignition timing apply in some municipalities like Thunder Bay.
The MNR expresses gratitude to individuals in the province “for their efforts in preventing wildland fires and ensuring community safety.” The ministry urges people to exercise extreme caution and adhere to Ontario’s Outdoor Fires Regulations, as stated by the provincial forest fire website.
“The province will continue to evaluate wildland fire risk conditions, and the RFZ designation may be reinstated in high-risk areas if the fire hazard and activity necessitate it.”
The restrictions were imposed during the peak of wildfire incidents in the region, resulting in over 2,800 individuals being displaced from more than a dozen communities. Current figures from the province indicate that just over 700 people are still evacuated.
Approximately 110 wildfires are currently active across the province, with seven of them remaining uncontrolled.
With forest fire risks significantly reduced, the evacuation and implementation orders for wildfires identified as Thunder Bay 36, Thunder Bay 56, Dryden 34, and Dryden 35 will also be lifted on Thursday at 9 a.m.
This development allows travel and access to roads and lakes in these areas, permitting over 600 evacuees from Whitesand First Nation and Armstrong to return home officially.
The Thunder Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) mention an increased police presence on Highway 527 and in the communities of Armstrong and Whitesand First Nation to assist in the safe return of residents following the update of the MNR’s Implementation Order and Evacuation Order, as indicated by OPP North West Region on Facebook on Wednesday morning.
“Please drive cautiously, patiently, and comply with the posted speed limits. Let’s collaborate to ensure everyone returns home safely.”
Information on fire bans and safe burning practices
Kevin Anderson serves as the division chief of fire prevention at Thunder Bay Fire Rescue.
Anderson mentioned that Thunder Bay will lift its municipal fire ban once the RFZ is revoked on Thursday, although other municipalities may opt to maintain their fire bans.
“Each municipality has the authority, through the fire chief, to impose or lift a fire ban as they see fit, but we typically align with [the MNR] to support their resources and decisions.”
