Restricted Fire Zone ordered by MNR

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF
NATURAL RESOURCES

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Northeast fire region Restricted Fire Zone order

Due to high to extreme fire hazard and increased forest fire activity, a Restricted Fire Zone order will be in effect for the Northeast Fire Region, north of the French River from 0001 hours local daylight time on May 16, 2012 until such time as the order is revoked.

Forest fire activity continued to be steady on Tuesday, May 15.

There were 15 new fires confirmed. Despite these new arrivals, Ontario fire rangers made good progress on many burns and a number of fires were declared out or have now been contained.

Among notable fires, Timmins 5 located near the west end of Timmins has had its status upgraded to being held.

Other fires now changed to being held include: Wawa 5, located three kilometres west of White River; and North Bay 8, a fire that caused the temporary closure of Highway 11 near Latchford on Monday, May 14.

Fire Timmins 7 has not yet been held and is currently 300 hectares in size.

Highway 560 in the area is still closed. Approximately 125 persons remain evacuated from Westree, Morin Village, Ruel and the Ostrum Mill site.

Of these residents, 83 are currently being accommodated at Camp Gilla - a former logging camp located approximately 30 kilometres west of Morin Village.

There are presently 26 active fires and 3,657 hectares burning in the province.

The largest fire remains Wawa 4 at approximately 3,000 hectares.

A Type-1 Incident Management Team has been assigned to this fire.

Resources currently deployed include: 11 CL-415/215 waterbombers (including one each from Quebec and Newfoundland); three Twin Otter medium waterbombers; and 38 helicopters.

The fire hazard will remain elevated on Wednesday, May 16.

Cloud cover and possible rain may help ease conditions slightly in parts of the north-east.

However, fire activity is beginning to climb in the north-west and another busy day across the province is likely.

To report a forest fire in Northern Ontario, call 310-FIRE 3473.

About Restricted Fire Zones

A Restricted Fire Zone is designated by an Order made by the Minister of Natural Resources.

It is strictly enforced throughout the restricted area.

It’s a drastic measure, taken only when necessary, but it has proven effective when the forest fire danger reaches the crisis level.

A Restricted Fire Zone does not restrict movement or recreational activity in the forest, but it does restrict the use of fire.

After a Restricted Fire Zone has been declared, it is illegal to set out a fire for any purpose within the affected area, and failure to comply could result in a fine up to $1,000, three months in jail, and financial responsibility for any costs incurred in fighting a forest fire caused by the illegal act.

It’s a tough law, but a necessary one - one that’s helping save thousands of hectares of forest.

When is a Restricted Fire Zone declared?

The Restricted Fire Zone Order is used only when conditions are so dry that an open fire of any kind, no matter how well tended, would represent a threat to the surrounding area.

The decision to declare a Restricted Fire Zone is not made arbitrarily by any one person.

It is the result of investigation, discussion and agreement on the severity of conditions by fire management staff and the Minister of Natural Resources.

It’s a temporary measure reserved for extreme situations, and as soon as conditions permit, the restrictions are lifted.

How will I know if I’m in a Restricted Fire Zone?

Once a Restricted Fire Zone has been established, the Ministry of Natural Resources makes sure that everyone coming into the area is aware of it.

The highly visible green and orange Restricted Fire Zone signs may be seen along roadways, at popular camping spots, in sport lodges, gas stations and stores.

Large ads appear in local newspapers, and announcements are made on radio and television stations in the area.

The media announcements may indicate exactly which areas are under a Restricted Fire Zone by referring to the zone numbers that appear on the Restricted Fire Zones map (pictured).

This will help you to know if you are in a Restricted Fire Zone or not.

Can I still go camping in a Restricted Fire Zone?

Yes, by all means, go camping, hiking, fishing, have fun and enjoy our most precious natural resource, but if you need heat for cooking and warmth, you’ll have to take along a portable gas or propane stove.

When travelling in a Restricted Fire Zone, exercise extreme caution.

Watch your propane or gas equipment carefully. Smoke only when stationary, never while walking or working in the bush, and make sure that all matches or cigarettes are dead out before disposing of them.

When an area has been designated a Restricted Fire Zone, you know the situation must be serious.

Use your bush sense and act accordingly.

Be careful with anything capable of starting a fire.

Are there other stoves or installations I can use during a Restricted Fire Zone?

Yes. As previously mentioned, you can use a portable gas or propane stove anywhere and at any time provided it is at least 1 metre from any flammable materials and you use extreme caution.

You can also use a charcoal installation (i.e. BBQ) but only if you are within 100 metres of a dwelling you own or legally occupy.

In addition, your installation must be at least 1 metre from any flammable material and you must completely extinguish and safely dispose of all ashes and coals before the installation is moved or left unattended.

You can use your outdoor wood burning stove or wood burning furnace provided you are within 100 metres of a dwelling you own or legally occupy.

In addition, the stove or furnace must be at least five metres from any forest area; at least two metres from any flammable material; and the stove or furnace must be situated on bare rock, mineral soil or non-combustable material extending at least two metres in all directions from the stove or furnace.

You cannot have a campfire even in an outdoor fire grate, fire place or fire pit.

What else?

The most important thing to remember about a Restricted Fire Zone is that open fires, including campfires, are illegal.

The only exception is in organized campground and parks, where if strict criteria are met, the campground operator may allow campfires and charcoal BBQs but only during certain hours and under very strict controls.

So, if you see a fire in a restricted fire zone (except in a campground or park) chances are it’s a forest fire and should be reported to the Ministry of Natural Resources right away.

The sooner we can get to it, the better our chances of putting it out quickly.

So look for and obey the Restricted Fire Zone signs, and report any forest fires to the Ministry.

These are two positive things you can do to help us keep our forests green for everyone to enjoy.

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