KENORA / THUNDER BAY REGION – August 20, 2026 – Ontario is lifting the Restricted Fire Zone across Northwestern Ontario effective early Thursday morning, and several long-standing evacuation and implementation orders are scheduled to be revoked later today.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry said the Restricted Fire Zone will be rescinded at 12:01 a.m. Thursday. Evacuation and implementation orders affecting areas around the major Thunder Bay 36, Thunder Bay 56, Dryden 34 and Dryden 35 fires are set to be lifted at 9 a.m.
The province reported 78 active wildfires in the northwest as of Tuesday evening, with nine still not under control. Two small new fires were confirmed near Kenora. Fire activity on the large complexes has been low in recent days, allowing crews to make progress on hotspots.
Residents are reminded that municipal fire bans may still apply even after the provincial Restricted Fire Zone is lifted. Officials continue to monitor conditions and have said the zone could be reinstated if the fire hazard rises again.
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