In order to protect Northwestern Ontario from further forest damage across the region, the provincial government has added restrictions on high-risk industries.
The restrictions include operations in mining, rail, construction, and transportation, that have the potential to cause sparks and ignite fires.
Effective tomorrow, suspended activities include, specific drilling operations, using heavy machinery with rubber tires and no chains, and rail production grinding.
The hope of suspending high-risk activities is to help sustain Ontario’s firefighting resources in extreme fire situations across the region.
“To continue to protect public safety, it is necessary to increase precautionary measures in the Northwest as the fire situation there continues to escalate,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. “We appreciate the ongoing cooperation of our industry partners and the continued support to the community.”
This announcement is in conjunction with the Emergency Area Order that came into effect for Northwestern Ontario on July 14, 2021. The order allow’s the ministry to take special measures to ensure the safety of people and the protection of critical property.