Staff
The Ministry of Natural Resources has declared a Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) in much of Northwestern Ontario to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.
Effective as of midnight last night, the fire ban 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.
And the long-term weather forecast offers no relief in the form of significant precipitation, the MNR said.
Under an RFZ, 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/operators first.
Within the RFZ area, people still can 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.
MNR fire information officer Deb MacLean said that while the MNR has been asking the public to refrain from open-air burning for several weeks now, an RFZ means lighting any fire is not an option.
“Under the Forest Fires Prevention Act of Ontario, when a Restricted Fire Zone is invoked, that means it is mandatory people do not set any outdoor fires,” she explained.
“So they are subject to different penalties and fines. If they are found setting an outdoor fire in a Restricted Fire Zone, they can be charged and fined.
“If their outdoor fire also escapes and turns into a wildfire, then, just like in normal situations, they could possibly face the cost of extinguishing a fire,” MacLean warned.
“When the Ministry of Natural Resources puts a Restricted Fire Zone into effect, it is a clear signal that there’s an unacceptable high risk that an outdoor fire could result in a wildfire,” she remarked.
“Not only is it a legal situation, it’s also a clear message from the Ministry of Natural Resources that there’s a problem.
“We’re getting wildfires every day, and we have since March.”
MacLean said the situation really hasn’t eased.
“We had some spring rain, not a lot,” she noted. “We’re dealing with an ongoing fire hazard and daily fires indicating to us everything is receptive to fire spread.
“By putting a Restricted Fire Zone in effect, it’s proven it does reduce the number of human-caused fires.
“I guess it’s trying to reduce the risk to almost zero,” she reasoned.
MacLean clarified one exception to the RFZ is Zone 8 (Quetico Provincial Park).
Park officials discussed it with fire officials. Because there’s not much park usage at this time of year, they elected to not have a fire ban for the time being.
There currently are two active fires in the region—a one-hectare blaze in Fort Frances District first reported Monday and currently “being held,” and a 0.1-ha blaze in Sioux Lookout District that’s classified as “not under control.”
Since March, the region has seen a total of 103 fires, consuming 498.9 ha.
To report a forest fire to the MNR, call 310-FIRE (3473).
Voyageurs ban
Across the border, Voyageurs National Park issued burning restrictions yesterday.
“Continued lack of rain, warm temperatures, and wind are creating very high fire danger across northern Minnesota,” the park said in a release.
“To reduce the potential for human-caused wildfires in Voyageurs National Park, the park is implementing fire restrictions beginning Friday, April 23.”
The following restrictions will apply throughout the park:
•recreational fires (campfires) anywhere, on land, in the park will not be allowed;
•charcoal or paper-fuelled fires or grills will not be allowed; and
•possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or pyrotechnic device will not be allowed.
Gas and propane-fired camp stoves, grills, or similar devices, as well as charcoal-fuelled grills on houseboats, are allowed.
Restrictions at Voyageurs National Park will remain in place until further notice.
“We ask for everyone’s understanding and co-operation during this critical time,” said VNP superintendent Mike Ward.
“We will remove these restrictions as soon as conditions within the park become favorable,” he noted.
