The Ministry of Natural Resources is placing a ban on open fires.
Much of northwestern Ontario is now under a Restricted Fire Zone.
The MNR says fire hazard has reached extreme levels due to the unusually dry spring conditions which have resulted in increasing forest fire activity.
The long-term weather forecast offers no relief in the form of significant precipitation.
The ban covers an area between Red Lake and Pickle Lake in the north to the U.S. Border, but excludes Quetico Provincial Park.
Burn restrictions also went into place in Koochiching County and 37 other Minnesota counties today.
Much of the state is also experiencing dry weather conditions.
Campfires are also banned in Voyageurs National Park.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reports almost 900 fires in the state this year.
