Northwestern Ontario is currently battling 110 active wildfires, as per the most recent report released by Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) on Tuesday night. Out of these, 11 wildfires are not under control, six are being held, 10 are under control, and the remaining are being monitored.
Five new fires were reported in the northwest region on Tuesday evening:
– Thunder Bay 79 (THU079) is situated near Dog Lake, approximately 18 kilometers west of Highway 527. This 0.1-hectare fire is under control.
– Thunder Bay 80 (THU080) is located south of Athelstane Lake, about 24 kilometers west of Highway 17. The 0.1-hectare fire is not under control.
– Fort Frances 65 (FOR065) is positioned in Quetico Park near Baird Lake, around three kilometers southeast of McDougall Lake. The 0.3-hectare fire is being held.
– Kenora 29 (KEN029) is found south of Moth Lake, roughly two kilometers south of Highway 17. The 1.5-hectare fire is not under control.
– Dryden 62 (DRY062) is situated on an island on Sturgeon Lake, near East Bay. The 0.1-hectare fire is under control.
The forest fire risk is predominantly low to moderate across northwestern Ontario, although there are notable areas of high risk in the southwest, particularly in the Thunder Bay and Kenora districts.
Ontario’s Minister of Natural Resources, Mike Harris, highlighted the challenges faced by the province due to multiple complex fires over the past month, notably in the Quetico area, along the Canada-U.S. border, and in Wabakimi north of Lake Nipigon. Harris emphasized the coordinated efforts of over 150 Ontario fire crews, supported by nearly 100 aircraft, including helicopters and water bombers, collaborating with partners from various regions.
As the situation evolves, some partner resources are anticipated to return to their respective regions, with some already redeployed to British Columbia from Alberta. Noteworthy fires in the region include the Rinker Complex and Atikokan Cluster, which remain active and require ongoing firefighting efforts.
Approximately 1,150 individuals remain displaced, with evacuation orders in place for several communities. The Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response, led by Jill Dunlop, is actively engaged in coordinating support for evacuees and affected areas.
Evacuation orders and alerts persist for various fire-affected zones, requiring residents to adhere to safety directives. The ministry is conducting assessments to assist property owners affected by the wildfires and is collaborating with local communities to facilitate recovery efforts.
Moreover, a restricted fire zone is in effect for northwestern and northeastern Ontario, prohibiting open-air burning activities. Highway closures due to wildfire activity are impacting several routes, prompting the Ontario Provincial Police to advise caution and cooperation with emergency measures.
In response to the escalating situation, the ministry has allocated additional resources and funding to enhance firefighting capabilities and support affected communities. Collaborative efforts with various partners and organizations are underway to address the challenges posed by the wildfires and ensure the safety and well-being of residents.