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MNRF Expands Restricted Fire Zone

Jul 24, 2018 @ 08:02

Due to the extreme fire hazard and the large number of wildfires burning, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has expanded the Restricted Fire Zone in effect to include some areas of the Southern Region.

The new zone includes areas north of the community of Rosseau, northwest to Caramat, over to the Quebec border along Hwy 11 (to north of Abitibi Canyon) and southeast to Renfrew. This includes Algonquin Park, Parry Sound, Lake Superior Provincial Park, the North Shore of Lake Huron, Wawa, and Hearst.

To check out more specific boundaries, visit Ontario.ca/forestfire and click on the interactive fire map.

During a Restricted Fire Zone, the use of open fires – such as campfires, or burning of brush or debris, is restricted. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to $25,000 and three months in jail, as well as financial responsibility for the costs incurred in fighting a forest fire.

Portable gas or propane stoves are permitted for use for cooking or warmth, though they should be closely monitored. Portable charcoal BBQs and Hibachis are not permitted unless within 100 metres of a dwelling, or within an organized campground.

Commercial campground operators may allow their guests to enjoy campfires during a Restricted Fire Zone period provided they meet certain conditions.

The Restricted Fire Zone is a temporary measure to reduce the number of new human-caused wildfires as the Aviation Forest Fire and Emergency Services branch of the OMNRF expects the elevated forest fire hazard to continue into the foreseeable future.

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