THUNDER BAY – With wildfire risk elevated across the region, Thunder Bay Fire Rescue has issued a fire ban on all outdoor open air burning within the city of Thunder Bay.
The ban is effective immediately, the city said in a release issued shortly after 8 a.m. on Thursday.
All outdoor burning permits issued by TBFR are suspended while the fire ban is in effect, and those who violate the ban can face fines and other penalties.
Cooking on propane, natural gas, and charcoal barbeques is still permitted, as are propane and natural gas-fuelled fire bowls, as long as they are CSA approved.
Residents can find more information at the city’s website or by calling (807) 625-2103.
The city said the fire ban will be lifted “when weather conditions improve.”
The announcement comes a day after the province moved to restrict outdoor burning across Northern Ontario, with areas of the region considered to be under high wildfire risk, and large swathes of Northeastern Ontario under extreme wildfire risk.
Crews are fighting large fires in the White River area that had temporarily closed Highway 631.
The provincial ban does not cover municipalities, but many have followed the province's lead. Surrounding municipalities like Oliver Paipoonge, Conmee, and Shuniah have announced fire bans of their own, along with regional communities including Fort Frances and Kenora.
