Northwestern Ontario is currently experiencing 110 active wildfires, as reported by Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) on Tuesday night. Among these wildfires, 11 are uncontrolled, six are being contained, 10 are under control, and the remainder are being monitored.
Recent reports confirm the emergence of five new fires in the northwest region. Thunder Bay 79 (THU079) is situated near Dog Lake, approximately 18 kilometers west of Highway 527, with a 0.1-hectare fire that is under control. Thunder Bay 80 (THU080) is located south of Athelstane Lake, around 24 kilometers west of Highway 17, with a 0.1-hectare fire not yet under control. Fort Frances 65 (FOR065) is positioned in Quetico Park near Baird Lake, approximately three kilometers southeast of McDougall Lake, with a 0.3-hectare fire being contained. Kenora 29 (KEN029) is situated south of Moth Lake, about two kilometers south of Highway 17, with a 1.5-hectare fire that is uncontrolled. Lastly, Dryden 62 (DRY062) is located on an island on Sturgeon Lake near East Bay, with a 0.1-hectare fire that is under control.
In the region, the forest fire risk is primarily low to moderate, but significant high-risk areas are present in the southwestern parts, particularly in the Thunder Bay and Kenora districts. Mike Harris, the Minister of Natural Resources, highlighted the extensive efforts being made to combat the fires, particularly in challenging locations such as Quetico, the Canada-U.S. border, and Wabakimi north of Lake Nipigon.
The ongoing response involves over 150 Ontario fire crews, supported by nearly 100 aircraft, including helicopters and water bombers. As the situation evolves, resources are expected to be reallocated back to their respective regions. The Rinker Complex and Atikokan Cluster remain key areas of concern, with large fires that are not yet under control.
Approximately 1,150 individuals are currently displaced due to the wildfires, with evacuation orders in place for several communities. The Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating relief efforts. Evacuation orders and alerts are active for various fire-affected areas, with detailed instructions provided for residents.
A restricted fire zone is in effect for northwestern Ontario and a portion of northeastern Ontario, prohibiting open-air burning activities. Additional measures, such as NOTAMs and highway closures, have been implemented to ensure public safety. The Ministry of Natural Resources has allocated significant resources to combat the fires, including the purchase of new firefighting equipment and the deployment of additional personnel.
Efforts to support affected communities and individuals are ongoing, with various aid initiatives and partnerships established. The province is working diligently to address the challenges posed by the wildfires and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents in the affected regions.