Large part of Ontario now under provincial fire ban
A large part of Ontario is under a provincial fire ban due to high risk of forest fires.
As of June 1, most northeastern and northwestern regions of the province have been placed within a Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ), meaning that open fires and the burning of grass or debris are temporarily banned. The idea, officials say, is to prevent human-caused fires at a time in which dry conditions and little precipitation could help the flames spread.
“The chances of wildland fire starting, whether its nature caused or human caused, is much more likely to happen,” Amy Peltonen, a fire information officer with the Aviation Forest Fire and Emergency Services branch of the Ministry of Natural Resources, told CTV News Toronto.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
According to provincial data, there is an extreme danger of forest fires in central and northeastern Ontario, from just north of Sault Ste. Marie all the way to Belleville.
The risks are considered “high” in the Thunder Bay area before dropping to a “moderate” risk further west. A region near Thunder Bay and some of northern Ontario, the risks are considered “high” to “moderate.”
As of around 2 p.m., about a dozen new and active forest fires were reported.
“Right now, we are actually kind of on par for what we've seen compared to last year,” Peltonen said. “So we're not seeing necessarily a bad fire season at this point.
An interactive map shows Ontario's Restricted Fire Zone as of June 1, 2023.
Peltonen added that current and forecasted wildfires are being “continuously and carefully monitored.”
“Generally, Ontarians don't need to be concerned.”
So far this year, Ontario has reported 78 forest fires in total compared to the 77 fires reported within a similar time frame in 2022.
The provincial 10-year average is about 140 fires.
WHAT DOES BEING WITHIN A RESTRICTED FIRE ZONE MEAN?
Property owners living within these areas should try to keep their lawns mowed and watered, move wood piles and other flammable materials away from structures, and keep conifer trees pruned.
Propane gas or propane stoves may be used but officials warn they should be handled with extreme caution.
A large number of Ontario’s parks have reported fire bans, which means that campers cannot use fire pits, charcoal barbecues or candles.
A list of parks included in the ban can be found on the Ontario Parks website. It includes a number of large parks such as Algonquin, Arrowhead, and Killarney.
There are more than 200 wildfires burning across Canada, officials said Thursday. The government says that so far the blazes have torn through about 27,000 square kilometres of land compared to the 10-year average of 500 square kilometres.
Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner says that Ontarians should brace for a “severe fire season that will once again damage buildings, decimate communities and force many people to evacuate their homes.”
He called on the Doug Ford government to take action on climate change and provide funding for infrastructure while also stopping his plans to expand fossil gas plants.
“The hot weather is just getting started and already forest fires are raging across northern Ontario, while multiple communities sit under extreme fire warning,” he said in a statement.
“This is a matter of environmental injustice. Doug Ford needs to wake up and take action on the climate emergency.”
With files from the Canadian Press.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Thieves use stolen forklift to rip cash machine out of U.K. bank
Police in the U.K. are searching for a group of suspects seen on video using a forklift to steal a cash machine from a bank.
'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax
A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.
Cherry blossoms blooming in Canada: Here's what to know
There is a swaying sea of colour in some cities across Canada, and it's a sure sign of spring: cherry blossoms are in bloom.