The natural resources and forestry ministry is implementing a Restricted Fire Zone effective at midnight Wednesday.
Fire information officer Amy Peltonen says it covers the ministry’s northeast and northwest regions and part of the southern region.
Under an RFZ, the use of open flame for a campfire or debris burning is not allowed. Peltonen says there might also be restrictions on industrial operations in the bush. It’s all intended to reduce the risk of human-caused fires.
“When experiencing kind of extended periods of hot, dry weather,” she explains, “an RFZ can be implemented to help reduce those chances.”
The RFZ will be in effect until further notice.
That’s from the provincial government. Peltonen says an RFZ is different from a fire ban.
“A fire ban is actually imposed at the local level by the municipality within those municipal boundaries.”
Timmins has already implemented a ban, suspending burning permits and the sale of them by Service Timmins. So no campfires, incinerator burning or brush or slash pile burning. Doing that could net you a fine and the bill for fighting the fire if it gets away on you.