Wildfire risk 'high to extreme' in northwest Ontario, fire bans issued

All fire permits are suspended beginning Sunday morning in Thunder Bay as the city joins other municipalities in northwestern Ontario and the provincial Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry in issuing a fire ban.

The Ministry declared the region a restricted fire zone as of Saturday because of a "high to extreme" risk of forest fires in the area.

All open fires are prohibited and people are asked to use "extreme caution" when using portable gas stoves for cooking or warmth while camping.

Fort Frances, Rainy River and Kenora have also issued bans on open fires.

An area near Kenora was evacuated on Friday and the Emergency Area Order remains in place, prohibiting all travel in the Ingolf area near the Ontario-Manitoba boundary.