A restricted fire zone (RFZ) in northwestern Ontario and a small part of the northeast, active since July 15, will be lifted on Thursday morning, as announced by Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) to take effect at 12:01 a.m. ET. During the RFZ, open-air burning, including campfires, was prohibited. Once lifted, fires can be ignited no earlier than two hours before sunset and must be extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise, with exceptions in certain municipalities like Thunder Bay that have specific regulations for fire ignition.
The MNR expressed gratitude to the people of the province for their cooperation in preventing wildland fires and ensuring community safety, urging everyone to exercise extreme caution and adhere to Ontario’s Outdoor Fires Regulations. The ministry stated that the RFZ designation could be reinstated in high-risk areas based on fire hazard assessments.
Following the peak of wildfire activity, which led to the displacement of over 2,800 individuals from numerous communities, the number of evacuees has reduced to just over 700, with approximately 110 wildfires burning in the province, seven of which are still uncontrolled. The evacuation orders for Thunder Bay 36, Thunder Bay 56, Dryden 34, and Dryden 35 will also be lifted at 9 a.m. on Thursday, allowing travel and access to roads and lakes in those areas, permitting more than 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 the communities of Armstrong and Whitesand First Nation to facilitate the safe return of residents once the MNR’s orders are updated.
Kevin Anderson, division chief of fire prevention at Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, mentioned that Thunder Bay would lift its municipal fire ban concurrent with the RFZ’s revocation, while other communities may maintain their bans independently. Residents are advised to check with local fire departments for any ongoing municipal fire bans. Anderson emphasized the importance of fire safety as the wildfire season continues until October 31, despite recent improvements in conditions due to rainfall.
Residents in Thunder Bay can now light fires between 5 p.m. and midnight with a fire permit, ensuring a safe distance from combustibles. Anderson urged caution to prevent wildfires and encouraged everyone to enjoy the remainder of the summer responsibly. The Ontario interactive forest fire map online provides real-time updates on active wildfires and fire hazards.