THUNDER BAY — The region-wide fire ban has been lifted, though the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry warns there are still some areas of Northwestern Ontario with a high forest fire hazard.

The ministry on Tuesday announced the restricted zone, which had been declared two weeks ago, is no longer in effect after recent rain.

People are urged to ensure campfires are completely extinguished and regulations under the Forest Fires Prevention Act, including no daytime burning of brush and wood debris, is adhered.

There are five active fires in the Northwest region, with the largest being Red Lake 30 at more than 3,700 hectares, though ignition had been used to bring it to natural boundaries. As of the weekend that fire had been exhibiting what the ministry called limited fire behaviour.

Municipal fire bans that were declared in Thunder Bay, Dryden, Kenora and Red Lake have all been lifted. A municipal fire ban in Neebing remains in effect.