Region under restricted fire zone order

A large portion of northeastern Ontario, including Greater Sudbury, is currently under a restricted fire zone order from the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The area currently restricted stretches west to east from about halfway between Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie to just past North Bay, and south to north from the French River and Manitoulin to James Bay and along the shores of Hudson Bay.

While under a restricted fire zone order, the use of open fires is restricted. The order is given when fire hazards are extreme, and/or fire-fighting resources are stretched thin by forest fires.

According to the Ministry of Natural Resource's (MNR) website, the designation of a restricted fire zone is "a drastic measure, taken only when necessary, but it has proven effective when the forest fire danger reaches the crisis level."

It is illegal to set a fire for any purpose within a restricted fire zone, and someone caught violating the order could face a fine of up to $1,000, three months in jail, and financial responsibility for any costs incurred in fighting a fire caused by the illegal fire.

The MNR notes it is still legal to go camping, hiking, fishing, and enjoy the natural resources of Ontario, but the only type of cooking or heating options allowed are portable gas or propane stoves. Charcoal barbecues are still allowed as long as it is used within 100 metres of a dwelling and one metre from all flammable material.

For more information about restricted fire zones, visit www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/AFFM/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_165447.html.

For the most recently updated fire zone map, visit http://forest.lrc.gov.on.ca/AFFM/fire/interactivemap/RFZ/map.html.