SUDBURY - Ontario is lifting the Restricted Fire Zone for all of the Timmins, Kirkland Lake, Hearst and Cochrane districts.

Effective at midnight Wednesday, July 2, the restrictions on open-air burning in those areas was lifted.

The Restricted Fire Zone was implemented June 19 to reduce the occurrence of fires caused by human activity during a period of hot, dry weather and escalated fire activity. The Ministry of Natural Resources thanks the public for its co-operation and ongoing support in helping reduce the number of new forest fires.

A Restricted Fire Zone for backcountry camping at Halfway Lake Provincial Park remains in effect until September 15, 2003, because of extensive forest damage in the park, resulting from a severe storm late last summer. Fires will be permitted inside the organized campground only, at the discretion of the park superintendent.

A Restricted Fire Zone for the Wawa Fume Kill area remains in effect until October 31, 2003. The Wawa Fume Kill area is a 5,300-hectare parcel of land just north of Wawa. Sulphur products in the soil, caused by emissions from a former ore smelter, mean fires in this area are toxic, burn fast and are difficult to control.

During a Restricted Fire Zone, all open fires, including campfires for cooking or warmth, are prohibited. Portable gas or propane stoves may be used under Ontario's Fire Regulations, but should be handled with extreme care.

Contact:

Amanda Brosseau
Ministry of Natural Resources
(705) 564-6028