THUNDER BAY, ON ----- July 15, 2012 ----- A Restricted Fire Zone Order has been declared for Northeasterm Ontario in an 
area north of the French and Mattawa rivers, east to the Quebec border, and then to the western boundary of the Northeast Region. The order is in place to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during a period of high fire hazard.
Effective 12:01 a.m. on Friday July 13, 2012, a Restricted Fire Zone Order is in place and will remain in effect until conditions improve. The fire hazard is high to extreme. The outlook for the next several days calls for continuing hot weather and dry conditions. Active burning is expected to take place until significant rainfall occurs.
In a Restricted Fire Zone, all burning permits are suspended and all open fires are prohibited. Campfires may be allowed at some organized campgrounds or parks that use approved fire pits and meet certain other criteria. Campers should check with the owners or operators first. Within the Restricted Fire Zone area, people can still use portable gas stoves for cooking and warmth but the public is asked to exercise extreme caution. Ministry of Natural Resources fire staff and conservation officers will strictly enforce the restrictions on open burning. Starting or tending a campfire in a Restricted Fire Zone can lead to a fine of up to $1,000.
QUICK FACTS
• Currently, there are 35 active fires in Ontario. There have been 641 forest fires to date this season. Many of these fires have been human-caused and have occurred near populated areas.
• 52,298 hectares have burned to date.
• 310-FIRE (3473) is northern Ontario’s toll-free forest fire reporting number.