Fire resriction to restricted access?

[eddylives 99]

At what point can the ministry go from a restricted fire zone to a restricted access to our crown land camping/fishing areas?

[Guest MNR]

The following sections of the Forest Fires Prevention Act allow the Ministry to restrict access to crown land during fire emergencies:

37. (1) The Minister may by order signed by him or her,

( declare any fire region or part of a fire region to be a restricted fire zone or restricted travel zone for any period;

23. (1) Where in the opinion of the Minister a forest fire emergency exists, the Minister may by order declare an area to be a forest fire emergency area and may make such orders and take such action as he or she considers necessary for effectual fire suppression or the safety of or evacuation of persons in the area. R.S.O. 1990, c. F.24, s. 23 (1).

As you can see neither section defines exactly when the transition from restricted fire zone to restricted travel zone occurs.

This decision is made by Fire Managers in conjunction with the Land Base Managers and takes into consideration current and forecasted fire activity along with long term weather forecasts.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that any decision to restrict access to crown land is made primarily to ensure the safety of both the public and fire fighting personnel. Substantial thought is also placed on trying to minimize any social disruption and adverse public impact the decision may have.