In northwestern Ontario, there are currently 112 active wildfires, as reported by Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) on Sunday night. Among these fires, 12 are uncontrolled, seven are being managed, six are under control, and the rest are under observation.
Three new fires were identified in the northwest region on Sunday evening. These include Nipigon 97 (NIP097) near Weitzel Lake, Thunder Bay 78 (THU078) near Argon Lake, and Fort Frances 63 (FOR063) near Kendall Lake.
The forest fire risk is mainly low to moderate in northwestern Ontario with certain areas of high risk, particularly in the southwestern parts of the region and around Lake Nipigon.
Notable fires in the region include the Rinker Complex, composed of Thunder Bay 36, Dryden 34, and Dryden 35, which collectively cover vast areas and are still uncontrolled. Efforts involve multiple firefighting crews, equipment, and helicopters to address these fires and protect affected areas.
In total, about 1,638 individuals remain evacuated due to wildfires, with 14 communities evacuated and six having returned. The Ministry of Natural Resources has been actively coordinating with various stakeholders to manage the situation effectively.
Evacuation orders and alerts are in place for several areas near ongoing fires, and a restricted fire zone prohibits open-air burning in northwestern and northeastern Ontario. Ongoing updates and implementation orders are being issued to ensure public safety and effective firefighting efforts.
Mail delivery has been halted in certain communities affected by wildfires, and highway closures are in place to ensure public safety. The Ministry of Natural Resources is deploying significant resources, including aircraft and personnel, to combat the wildfires effectively and support affected communities.
International assistance, including resources from Mexico, Alberta, and other Canadian provinces, is also contributing to the firefighting efforts in the region.
