Staff
A Restricted Fire Zone order has been lifted in the Northwest Region.
The RFZ had been in effect in an area bounded by the CNR rail line, just north of Opasquia Provincial Park, and west of Wabakimi Provincial Park to the Manitoba border.
The order was in place to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during a period of high fire hazard.
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, outdoor fires are now allowed again although people are asked to use extreme caution.
For details on public responsibility for safe outdoor fire management under the Forest Fires Prevention Act of Ontario, visit www.ontario.ca/fireprevention
If people are in an organized municipality or First Nations’ community, they must check with local fire officials before having an outdoor fire as there may be fire bans or local bylaws in place.
In other news, four new fires were reported by yesterday evening in the Northwest Region, including one in Kenora District and three in Red Lake District.
The 0.1-hectare blaze in Kenora District was declared “out” by the end of the day.
The three new fires in Red Lake District—all caused by lightning—remained classified as “not under control” as of this morning.
The total number of active fires in the region currently stands at 97, having consumed 535,159 hectares.
This brings the total in the region since April 1 to 433 fires, burning 540,326 ha.
MNR reported that fire activity remains quiet, and the weather forecast is promising to support both fire suppression activities and the planned return of evacuated residents to their communities.
The MNR is working closely with Emergency Management Ontario and First Nations’ communities in planning a safe and speedy return with the least possible inconvenience to residents.
Flights yesterday were scheduled to bring about 350 residents back to Sandy Lake and Cat Lake First Nations’ communities.
To date, 540 residents have returned to their home communities, with about 3,000 residents yet to return. EMO estimates all residents will return home by Aug. 4, based on current conditions.
