I was in the Quetico last week (6/10 thru 6/17) during the fire ban.

I saw on Google that there was a fire ban beginning June 8th, and the outfitter told me the same. Interestingly, the Ranger station made no mention of the ban but did stamp my permit “No open fire permitted”.

Another party using the same outfitter apparently wasn’t told of the ban, and was regularly cooking over a fire. When I mentioned there was a fire ban, they said they were never told and would plead ignorance of caught.

On the way out I mentioned this to the outfitter and he seemed rather upset. He said if they had been caught they would have been banned for life.

My thought is that the communication at the Canadian ranger station should be better: A fire ban should be communicated verbally and there should be a a highly visible sign posted at the ranger station communicating a ban, including the penalties for violation. Stamping a permit is not enough; who reads a permit? My suggestions wouldn’t be hard or costly to implement and could prevent a t tragedy.

Just my thoughts.

My experience was different. I was in the Q 6/17-6/24 and went in through the LLC ranger station. Anderson's did my tow and they informed me of the fire ban, although being a member here I was already aware. The ranger station had a sign stating no open fires and also stamped my permit as such. She also did tell me that there was a ban in place. I guess it's all who you talk to.

My first day on the water was 6/2, and the fire ban started 6/1. My outfitter told me, the ranger at prairie portage told me, there was a bright (although not large) sign on the portage to the ranger stating the fire ban, and they stamped our permit and told us again what the stamp meant. No lack of clarity when I went through.

Thanks for responding. I’m glad to hear that the communication was more explicit in your case.

During the tow ride out of LLC, we rode with another group. They knew of the fire ban but said they saw several camps with fires. Makes me wonder: Are people just flouting the law? If so, do they realize they could be banned for life if caught?

RunningFox: "...Another party using the same outfitter apparently wasn’t told of the ban, and was regularly cooking over a fire... said they were never told and would plead ignorance of caught. "

This is a cheap, lame excuse. Knowing of a fire ban is part of your group responsibility. "Nobody told me" doesn't cut it. I'm sure a ranger wouldn't put up with that defense.

Fire ban started June 1.

In addition to all the methods of communication of the fire ban already stated, There are large electronic signs on the highway in Canada saying 'Ontairo Fire Ban'.

Pleading ignorance in such dry conditions of your campfire leads to death by hanging without a trial.

When I was in Quetico for a week I saw or smelled no campfires.
Tom

bobbernumber3: "

RunningFox: "...Another party using the same outfitter apparently wasn’t told of the ban, and was regularly cooking over a fire... said they were never told and would plead ignorance of caught. "

This is a cheap, lame excuse. Knowing of a fire ban is part of your group responsibility. "Nobody told me" doesn't cut it. I'm sure a ranger wouldn't put up with that defense.
"

Totally Agree.

I don't think the Canadians put up with ignorance to the laws especially if you are a US citizen. Their mantra is tickets/fines equal education and helps get the word out...I think too many of us Americans are used to education, warnings, and second chances.

I didn't know about the ban for life thing... Sounds like they got away with it, but definitely not worth the risk.

T

It’s a $25,000 fine of caught. I can’t believe people sometimes. The fire ban was literally posted everywhere. You could never pleas ignorance to that.