North Bay, ON – June 1, 2023 – The current forest fire danger rating for most areas in the Nipissing District are at extreme.
Starting Thursday June 1 at 12:01 a.m., The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry have implemented a Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) for the Northeast Region and part of Southern Region.
Effective immediately the City of North Bay, Municipality of Callander, Nipissing Township, Municipality of Powassan, Municipality of East Ferris, Municipality of West Nipissing, McMurrich-Monteith Township, Laurier Township, Twp. of Chisholm, Armour Township, Ryerson Township, Village of Burk’s Falls, Village of Sundridge, Township of Strong, Township of Joly, Town of Temagami, Township of Perry, Community of Phelps, Bonfield, South River and Machar, Port Loring , Loring and surrounding communities, are issuing a total fire ban.
During a total fire ban, NO fires of any type are permitted at any time including for cooking and warmth.
Extra caution should also be taken when using equipment/tools that may produce heat:
- Limit use of grinding tools and hot works outdoors;
- DO NOT drive any type of vehicle through long grass/brush as hot exhausts and engines can ignite dry ground cover; and
- Be safe and present when barbecuing.
With increasing temperatures, dry conditions and the threats taking place in much of the country, a total fire ban is needed to ensure the health and safety of our communities.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) fire danger rating is verified daily and is determined using the Fire Weather Index (FWI), an internationally used method for determining the risk of fires in open air. The FWI uses factors such as relative humidity, temperature, previous 24-hour rain amount, wind directions and more to determine the risk level.
