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A Restricted Fire Zone is being put in place across much northwestern Ontario as of midnight tonight.
Shayne McCool is a fire information officer and says a fire ban will be in place in most districts.
“Due to the extreme forest fire hazard, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has declared a Restricted Fire Zone, so that will be Kenora, Red Lake and Sioux Lookout, Dryden, Fort Frances, Atikokan, Thunder Bay, Ignace and the northwest portion of the far north,” states McCool.
He adds that parts of the Nipigon and Geraldton Districts will also be affected by the Restrict Fire Zone.
In the meantime, McCool says you can still cook outdoors, but open flames are not permitted.
“Portable gas or propane stoves may be used for cooking or warmth but must be handled with extreme caution. All fire permits will be suspended and the Restricted Fire Zone will be in place until further notice.”
In the meantime, the City of Kenora and the Town of Fort Frances will be imposing a burn bans.
Kenora fire chief Dave Pratt says despite rain last night, they want to help the MNRF out as much as possible.
“They are concerned about the existing fires, potential for new fires, but also it’s very taxing on their existing staff. They’ve got staff that has been sent to help in Alberta and I believe in the east coast as well. We’re just trying to help them out and make sure we don’t have any human-caused fires.”
Pratt adds that all burning permits will be cancelled until the MNRF lifts the Restricted Fire Zone.