Earlier this week, Nipissing First Nation announced it would relax some of the fire prohibitions within its borders for residents to enjoy backyard fires.
Chief Scott McLeod says Nipissing First Nation is well within its rights to take such action.
"We are a self-governing First Nation, we work cooperatively with the Province but are not under their jurisdiction."
See original story: Backyard fire ban lifted in Nipissing First Nation
With the long weekend approaching, eager backyard fire enthusiasts across northern Ontario are left wondering when they will be permitted to do the same.
It won't be in time for the Victoria Day weekend, not without a policy shift from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
Locals hearing or reading about municipalities lifting fire bans in southern Ontario might be getting their hopes up but anywhere south of Gravenhurst is not included in the restricted fire zone North Bay and area falls under — and is not subject to the MNRF ban.
Although the MNRF oversees restricted fire zones, under The Fire Prevention and Protection Act, municipalities are still free to set and control local fire bans. This is commonly done so bylaw enforcement can take place.
But, in this case, the provincial order under The Forest Fires Prevention Act supersedes North Bay Fire and Emergency Services' authority, according to Fire Chief Jason Whiteley.
"It has similar language but is more prohibitive and it stands."
See also: All of northern Ontario under fire restrictions
Expanding on NFN's loosening of restrictions for backyard fires, Chief McLeod explains, "In this case, the risk of forest fires is low and we have our own Fire Department that advises and monitors any fire-related risks which presently are low."
Residents of Nipissing First Nation are asked to continue to observe social distancing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 while enjoying a backyard fire.
"This means not having gatherings in your home or backyard with people who don’t live in your household," according to NFN Fire Services. Additionally, "Fires for burning grass, leaves, brush and large pieces of wood are still not allowed at this time."
North Bay's Fire Chief was asked what would occur if a fire resulted from the lifting of the backyard fire restrictions on Nipissing First Nation.
"They now have two fire stations. Our agreement [with NFN] is they attend the scene and if they need assistance, they would give us a call," says Whiteley. "We would respond [if requested] but we would charge them for our services."
Whiteley adds, "If people are responsible, I don't foresee a problem [on Nipissing First Nation]. But it only takes one."
He thinks it could be a few weeks yet before the MNRF lifts the ban but adds people must keep in mind why the restrictions were put in place, to begin with. Whiteley says being cautious with resources was the only way for essential services to proceed.
"At the beginning of April, we didn't know if we were going to flatten the curve. Everything is about keeping that longevity of response. We are planning two or three weeks down the way."
One of Whiteley's biggest concerns is having two or three crews down with COVID-19 while covering the department's usual duties and perhaps taking on more, if, for instance, paramedic shifts had to be covered due to an outbreak in their ranks.
"This is a marathon, not a sprint. We need to remember that," says Whiteley. "A lot of this has to do with having resources if we didn't flatten the curve. I didn't want to be fighting another downtown fire with only five crew members."
