THUNDER BAY – The Ministry of Natural Resources has declared a Restricted Fire Zone in much of Northwestern Ontario to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.
Effective 12:01 a.m. on Friday, April 23, 2010, the Restricted Fire Zone is in place and will remain in effect until conditions improve. The fire hazard is extreme because of unusually dry spring conditions which have resulted in increasing forest fire activity. The long-term weather forecast offers no relief in the form of significant precipitation.
Under the Restricted Fire Zone, all burning permits are suspended and all open fires are prohibited. Campfires may be allowed at some organized campgrounds or parks that use approved fire pits and meet certain other criteria. Campers should check with the owners or operators first. Within the Restricted Fire Zone area, people can still use portable gas stoves for cooking and warmth but the public is asked to exercise extreme caution. Ministry fire staff and conservation officers will strictly enforce the restrictions on open burning.
QUICK FACTS
- Currently, there are six active fires in Ontario and a season total of 131 forest fires to date.
- 310-FIRE (3473) is northern Ontario’s new toll free forest fire reporting number.
