The restricted fire zone (RFZ) that was enforced in northwestern Ontario and a small part of the northeast since July 15 will be removed on Thursday morning.
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is scheduled to officially cancel the order at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time.
During a restricted fire zone, all open-air burning, including campfires, is prohibited. Once lifted, people will be allowed 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 times may vary in certain municipalities like Thunder Bay.
The MNR expresses gratitude to the residents of the province “for their efforts in preventing wildland fires and ensuring community safety.” The ministry urges caution and compliance with Ontario’s regulations on outdoor fires, as stated by the provincial forest fire website.
“The province will continue to monitor wildland fire hazard conditions, and a RFZ designation may be reinstated in high-risk areas if fire hazard and activity levels warrant it.”
The restrictions were imposed during the peak of the region’s wildfire outbreak, displacing over 2,800 individuals from multiple communities. Current figures from the province indicate that slightly more than 700 people are still under evacuation.
There are approximately 110 active wildfires across the province, with seven still not under control.
As forest fire risks have significantly decreased, the evacuation orders and implementation orders related to wildfires named Thunder Bay 36, Thunder Bay 56, Dryden 34, and Dryden 35 will also be lifted on Thursday at 9 a.m.
This means that travel and access to roads and lakes in these areas will be allowed, enabling over 600 evacuees from Whitesand First Nation and Armstrong to return home.
The Thunder Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) announced 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 MNR’s updates to the Implementation Order and Evacuation Order, as stated by OPP North West Region on Facebook on Wednesday morning.
“Please drive carefully, patiently, and adhere to the posted speed limits. Let’s collaborate to ensure everyone returns home safely.”
Details 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 lifted on Thursday, although other communities may opt to maintain their fire bans.
“Each municipality has the authority under the fire chief to impose or lift a fire ban at their discretion, but we typically align with [the MNR] to show support for their resources.”
