Be sure to check with Claire at the Red Lake MNR office or your outfitter for the latest information and updates

Fireban Details:
A Restricted Fire Zone in effect for most of Northwest Ontario including this Provincial Park due to extremely dry forest conditions.

During a Restricted Fire Zone, the use of open flame fires – such as campfires (including if using an outdoor fire grate, fireplace, fire pit or wood fed portable stove ) and portable charcoal barbeques and hibachis are not permitted.

Please use portable gas or propane cooking stoves for cooking.

You may monitor the forest fire conditions by visiting:

Ontario Parks alerts

Ontario parks fire restrictions

One note on this, the use of Fire for warmth or cooking (if it's your only source of cooking), is still permitted.

solotrip: "One note on this, the use of Fire for warmth or cooking (if it's your only source of cooking), is still permitted.


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Harlan, I'm confused....So there isn't a fire ban as long as you don't have a stove for cooking in your pack??

I'm gonna guess that when these fire bans were started, there was language inserted to make sure someone who is out in the bush can do what they need to (eat and stay warm), without breaking laws or being subject to fines. Common sense...don't have a big fire to hang out around during a fire ban. But if you need to cook a fish, or keep warm, you aren't going to be in trouble.
As modern day vacationers, we should pack a stove to cook on, and not build fires if we can avoid it during a fire ban.

That's my take anyway. And it is worth exactly what you paid for it. :)

Here is a link to the Ontario fire regulations Ontario Fire Regulations

gymcoachdon: "I'm gonna guess that when these fire bans were started, there was language inserted to make sure someone who is out in the bush can do what they need to (eat and stay warm), without breaking laws or being subject to fines. Common sense...don't have a big fire to hang out around during a fire ban. But if you need to cook a fish, or keep warm, you aren't going to be in trouble.
As modern day vacationers, we should pack a stove to cook on, and not build fires if we can avoid it during a fire ban.


That's my take anyway. And it is worth exactly what you paid for it. :)"

Pretty much. The use of fire for warmth or cooking is still permitted. In saying that, you're correct, if you're heading out on a trip and know the fire ban is in effect, you should pack a stove.

We already have several guests in the park that would have no way of knowing a fire ban is in effect. At 1.2 million acres in size, the park is not flying around all day to attempt to make contact with a few people to let them know.

It went down to -2 degrees C last night.....if you required a small warming fire to keep safely warm, you would be within your rights to do so.

It has been extremely dry up there but they are getting some welcome rains today and tomorrow.

Correction...
8. Except as provided in sections 8.1 to 8.4, no person shall start or tend a fire outdoors in a restricted fire zone for the purpose of cooking or warmth. O. Reg. 230/00, s. 4.

This means no open flame fires, not even for cooking or for heat. This is why it is always a good idea to pack a fuel fed camp stove when tripping in the boreal forest.

The area is patrolled for compliance to the Forest Fire Prevention Act especially during a a fire ban (Fire Restricted Zone).

Did I read correctly that the fire ban has been lifted in the Northwest District?

Correct, it has been lifted

The fire ban was reinstated on 8/16 and is current as of 8/22. The authorities are pretty serious about violations. Full text below.

I was up up there about 10 days ago and we observed several nighttime flyovers to map hotspots and also some low level daytime helicopter flyovers. They were keeping a close eye on the flame fronts & outposts/lodges.

As of 00:01 hrs CST on August 16th, a RESTRICTED FIRE ZONE will be in effect for Zones 2 (WCPP), 3, 6, 7, 8, & 10 in the Northwest Region until further notice.
It is illegal to set a fire for any purpose within the affected area.

Failure to comply may lead to
1. Fine of up to $25,000
2. 3 months in jail
3. Financial responsibility for any costs incurred in fighting a forest fire

What does mean to you?
1. CAN NOT have campfires (even in outdoor fire grate, fire place or fire pit)
2. CAN NOT burn grass or woody debris
3. CAN NOT use burn barrels
4. CAN use a gas stove (1 metre away from any flammable material)
5. CAN use a gas stove (1 metre away from any flammable material)
6. CAN use a portable liquid fuel or gas stove that can be turned off easily by closing a valve or lid (1 metre away from any flammable material)
For more information visit - https://www.ontario.ca/page/outdoor-fire-restrictions


OntarioParks - Woodland Caribou - Alert and Park Advisory Details