After being in place since July 15, a restricted fire zone (RFZ) covering northwestern Ontario and a small part of the northeast will be lifted on Thursday morning.
Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is scheduled to officially remove the order at 12:01 a.m. ET.
During the RFZ period, all open-air burning, including campfires, was prohibited. Once the ban is lifted, individuals will be allowed to start fires no earlier than two hours before sunset and must put them out no later than two hours after sunrise. However, specific regulations on fire ignition times are in place in certain areas like Thunder Bay.
The MNR expressed gratitude to residents across the province for their efforts in preventing wildfires and ensuring community safety. The ministry emphasized the importance of exercising caution and adhering to Ontario’s Outdoor Fires Regulations, as indicated on the provincial forest fire website.
The MNR mentioned that they will continuously evaluate wildland fire conditions, and if necessary, may reinstate an RFZ designation in high-risk regions based on fire hazard levels and activity.
The restrictions were imposed during a peak period of wildfire incidents in the area, leading to over 2,800 individuals being displaced from numerous communities. Presently, around 700 people are still under evacuation orders.
Cots set up at Fort William Gardens in Thunder Bay serving as an evacuation center during the wildfires. (Marc Doucette/CBC)
The province currently has approximately 110 active wildfires, with seven still not under control.
Given the significant reduction in forest fire risks, the evacuation and implementation orders related to wildfires such as Thunder Bay 36, Thunder Bay 56, Dryden 34, and Dryden 35 will be lifted at 9 a.m. on Thursday.
This development allows for unrestricted travel and access to roads and lakes in these regions, enabling over 600 evacuees from Whitesand First Nation and Armstrong to return home.
Thunder Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) announced increased police presence on Highway 527 and in Armstrong and Whitesand First Nation to ensure the safe return of residents following the updates on the MNR’s orders, as stated on the OPP North West Region Facebook page.
Residents are advised to drive cautiously, patiently, and comply with speed limits for a safe return home.
Fire Ban Information and Safe Burning Practices
Kevin Anderson, the division chief of fire prevention at Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, highlighted that Thunder Bay will lift its municipal fire ban upon the removal of the RFZ on Thursday. However, other municipalities may opt to maintain their fire bans.
As of Thursday at 12:01 a.m. ET, Thunder Bay residents can once again light fires as the restricted fire zone and local fire ban are lifted.