DISTRICT (Staff) – The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has declared a Restricted Fire Zone effective Thursday, June 1. The Restricted Fire Zone affects the districts of Hearst/Cochrane/Kapuskasing, Chapleau/Wawa, Timmins/Kirkland Lake, Sault Ste. Marie/Blind River, Sudbury, North Bay, Minden/Parry Sound/Bracebridge, Pembroke, a northern portion of the Peterborough/Bancroft District, and the southeastern portion of the Far North District.

The ministry stated in a press release that “no open air burning, including campfires, is permitted within the boundaries of a Restricted Fire Zone. Portable gas or propane stoves may be used for cooking and warmth, but must be handled with extreme caution. All burning permits are suspended. The Restricted Fire Zone is in place until further notice.”

The ministry states that “the fire hazard remains high to extreme across the Northeast Region.”

To report a wildland fire located north of the French and Mattawa Rivers, please dial 310-FIRE. To report a forest fire located south of the French or Mattawa Rivers, please dial 911.