Total fire ban remains in place 

The rain we received Monday doesn’t mean the total fire ban is over.  

A Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Restricted Fire Zone, that covers a wide section of Ontario, including the Barry’s Bay area, remains in place.  

Local fire departments can only assess whether to re-allow open air burning, once the MNRF restriction has been lifted.  

The Madawaska Valley Fire Department says the total ban means no open-air burning, including campfires. Portable gas or propane stoves may be used for cooking but must be handled with caution. All burning permits are suspended.