New RFZ Takes Effect May 30 Across Key Zones in Thunder Bay and Rainy River Districts

THUNDER BAY – May 29, 2025 (07:45 CDT) – As extreme wildfire conditions persist across Northwestern Ontario, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is taking further action to reduce the risk of human-caused fires by declaring a second Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) effective Friday, May 30 at 12:01 a.m. local time.

The new RFZ will apply to Zones 4, 9, 10, and 11, covering large portions of the Thunder Bay and Rainy River Districts, including areas stretching from St. Ignace Island to the western boundary of Wabakimi Provincial Park and along the Lake Nipigon and Black Bay Peninsula corridor.

Areas Impacted by the New Restricted Fire Zone

The second RFZ includes a large swath of the northwest, with boundaries as follows:

• South of the west side of St. Ignace Island, moving west along the Canada–U.S. border

• North along the Rainy River–Thunder Bay District boundary

• Continuing along the English River system to the Brightsand River Provincial Park boundary

• Following north to Wabakimi Provincial Park, then south via the Little Jackfish River system

• Wrapping around Lake Nipigon and back down to Red Rock, ending near the Black Bay Peninsula and St. Ignace Island

This newly declared RFZ expands on the initial Restricted Fire Zone that came into effect on May 16, which remains active and in force across Zones 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8.

What’s Prohibited in a Restricted Fire Zone

✅ Allowed (with caution):

• Portable gas or propane stoves for cooking and warmth

🚫 Prohibited Activities:

• All open-air burning, including campfires

• Use of burning permits, which are now suspended in both RFZs

Stay Informed

The RFZs will remain in place until further notice, based on weather conditions and fire activity. Residents, campers, and visitors are urged to stay up to date by checking:
📍 Ontario.ca/fireupdates
📍 Interactive Fire Map for real-time conditions and boundaries