THUNDER BAY - The provincial fire ban will be lifted this weekend as the government invests millions to emergency forest fire fighting this season.
In a release issued on Friday, the provincial government said the restricted fire zone that was put in place last month will be lifted as of Saturday at 12:01 a.m.
The city of Thunder Bay will also be lifting its fire ban alongside the province as of 12:01 a.m. on Saturday. Recreational burning permits are still required and applications are available online.
Shuniah also plans to lift its ban, starting on Saturday.
The restricted fire zone could be reinstated in specific areas if conditions deteriorate.
According to models released by Natural Resources Canada, Northern Ontario could see a drier and warmer summer, which may result in an above average forest fire season.
The provincial government is also increasing base funding for forest fire fighting in Ontario by $30.2 million.
Fire crews will be expected to practice all public health guidelines, including physical distancing, frequent hand washing, and daily self-assessments by staff.
"This is an extraordinary period. As we put measures in place to protect our staff and the public from the pandemic, we have been taking additional steps to prepare for the wildland fire season," said John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry in a release.
"Nothing is more important than protecting the safety of people and communities across the province. Although we want people to enjoy themselves, lifting the Restricted Fire Zone designation does not mean we can let our guard down when it comes to preventing human-caused forest fires."
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry will also be taking an aggressive approach to battling wildfires this season, with focus on detecting fires early and keeping them as small as possible.
“Despite the challenges of these unprecedented times, Ontario's emergency management personnel have been proactively working with partners to prepare for potential evacuations due to the wildland fire season," said Sylvia Jones, Solicitor General.
"Public safety remains our top priority and our Provincial Emergency Operations Centre will continue to monitor forest fire situations with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and be ready to coordinate a response if called upon for evacuation assistance."
