Thunder Bay will be able to enjoy outdoor fires.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is lifting the restricted fire zone declaration, which means those in the city will be allowed to burn outside safely as of 5:00 p.m. Thursday.
“The MNRF based on their assessments of the conditions right now they have decided to lift the ban now,” says Thunder Bay Fire Chief Greg Hankkio. “The days get shorter, and the conditions for dangerous burning decrease. There’s some significant anticipated rainfall here over the next couple days, and they have enough crews on standby here in Thunder Bay in order to deal with any occurrence of fires. Their comfortable right now with lifting the restricted fire zone, and following suit we’ve decided to lift the fire ban we put in place.”
Officials are still asking you to be cautious when having an outdoor fire, and ensure the fire is always being monitored.
“You still need a fire permit to burn in the municipal boundary,” explains Hankkio. “Burning clean dry wood, making sure the appliance you are burning in has been approved and inspected as per the regulations by the city of Thunder Bay Fire Staff. Also limit the burning if wind conditions are really high and no burning of leaves or grass, it has to be clean, dry wood.”
For more information on fire permit rules and regulations, click here.
