THUNDER BAY – The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has declared a restricted fire zone for large swaths of Northwestern Ontario.
In an release issued on Thursday, the MNRF listed the entirety of the Kenora, Fort Frances and Dryden districts in the ban, as well as the southern portions or Red Lake, Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay districts. Gillies launched its ban at noon.
Not included in the ban are the City of Thunder Bay as well as Neebing, O’Connor, Oliver Paipoonge, Shuniah and Dorion.
Pass Lake and Sleeping Giant Provincial Park are also excluded.
For those inside the restricted fire zone, open fires, including campfires and the burning of debris, is not permitted. Portable gas and propane are allowed, but must be managed safely.
Commercial campground operators may permit campfires, but certain conditions must be met.
Failure to comply with the RFZ regulations could result in a fine of up to $25,000 and three months in jail, as well as the responsibility for the costs incurred fighting a fire caused by an illegal act.
