A restricted fire zone (RFZ) in northwestern Ontario and a small area of the northeast put in place since July 15 will be removed on Thursday morning. The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) in Ontario will officially end the order at 12:01 a.m. ET.
During the RFZ period, no open-air burning, including campfires, was allowed. Once lifted, fires can be lit no earlier than two hours before sunset and must be extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise, although specific rules may apply in certain municipalities like Thunder Bay.
The MNR expressed gratitude to the public in the province for their efforts in preventing wildland fires and ensuring community safety. The ministry advised people to exercise caution and adhere to Ontario’s Outdoor Fires Regulations.
The government will monitor wildfire hazard conditions and may reinstate an RFZ designation in high-risk areas if necessary. The restrictions were imposed during a peak period of wildfire activity in the region, resulting in over 2,800 individuals being evacuated from numerous communities, with about 700 evacuees still displaced.
Around 110 wildfires are currently active in the province, with seven remaining uncontained. As the forest fire risk has significantly decreased, evacuation orders for Thunder Bay 36, Thunder Bay 56, Dryden 34, and Dryden 35 will also be lifted on Thursday at 9 a.m., allowing over 600 evacuees from Whitesand First Nation and Armstrong to return home.
The Thunder Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) announced increased police presence on Highway 527 and in Armstrong and Whitesand First Nation to facilitate the safe return of residents following the updates on the MNR’s orders.
Kevin Anderson, division chief of fire prevention at Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, mentioned that Thunder Bay will lift its municipal fire ban once the RFZ is revoked, while other communities may maintain their bans. Residents were advised to check with local fire departments for any remaining fire restrictions.
Anderson emphasized the ongoing wildfire season until Oct. 31 and the unpredictable nature of the situation despite recent improvements due to rainfall. Residents are urged to remain cautious and comply with regulations to ensure fire safety.
Residents in Thunder Bay can now light fires between 5 p.m. and midnight as the RFZ and local bans are lifted, requiring a fire permit and a safe distance from combustible materials. The interactive forest fire map online provides real-time updates on active wildfires and fire hazards in Ontario.
