A total of 139 wildfires were burning across northwestern Ontario as of Sunday afternoon, provincial authorities confirmed.
This number includes at least eight, covering a total of roughly 3,413 hectares, that were confirmed by the provincial Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) agency on Saturday evening:
On Sunday, the AFFES said that across the northwest region, 66 fires remain not under control.
In their Saturday evening update, the AFFES also confirmed an additional fire was discovered in northwestern Ontario on Saturday. Wawa 28, which measures 0.1 hectares, was 17 kilometres northeast of Missanabie on Saturday night.
In an update provided to CBC Saturday afternoon, the agency confirmed two new fires had also been discovered since their Saturday evening update, but did not disclose their locations. There were also 50 fires actively burning in the northeast region, bringing the total wildfire count across northern Ontario down to 189 from 192.
This year’s wildfire season has forced over two dozen communities and areas to evacuate in recent days, including 10 First Nations communities across northern Ontario.
This included Eabametoong First Nation, a fly-in community over 300 kilometres north of Thunder Bay. Confirmed evacuations began on Saturday. In total, seven flights carrying roughly 460 members were evacuated to Niagara Falls.
Six further evacuation flights for the First Nation are expected to depart Sunday, with roughly 600 members expected to be evacuated in the first phase.
In a statement from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), a spokesperson stressed the department’s concern about how the wildfires may be impacting the health, safety and well-being of people in First Nations.
“We know emergencies like these can be stressful and disruptive for individuals, families and communities,” an ISC statement said. “Timely evacuations help protect lives and well-being, and we recognize the efforts of First Nation leadership as they work diligently to protect their members. ISC is working closely with First Nations leadership, Ontario and emergency management partners to support the immediate and evolving needs of impacted communities.”
On Friday morning, the province issued an evacuation order for an area near the Fort Frances 14 fire, which is slightly more than 55,000 hectares in size and was not under control as of Saturday morning.
People in the area of Baril, Bedivere and Windigoostigwan lakes and Lac des Mille Lacs have been told to leave immediately, unless they have a travel permit issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNRF).
Several other communities and areas that have also been told about potential evacuations include:
On Saturday, the Canadian Red Cross said it was setting up a response team at the Fort Williams Garden Arena in Thunder Bay to help evacuees.
Speaking at a press conference in Thunder Bay Saturday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford confirmed over 155 fire crews are on the ground helping in the efforts, with more than 80 aircraft deployed.
He said 40 additional aircraft were on standby for suppression efforts, while warning those affected by the wildfires against returning to campsites and homes if they’ve been ordered to evacuate.
The AFFES confirmed additional support, including helicopters, aircraft and aerial support personnel, had arrived from Alberta and Yukon.
On Sunday, the City of Thunder Bay said with air quality in the city is expected to improve in the coming days, a number of facilities will reopen.
City crew are expected to resume outdoor work with enhanced health and safety measures, including respiratory protection where appropriate and more frequent breaks.
As of Sunday, the following service changes are also in effect:
Collection crews are also working to pick up garbage from business and multi-residential units throughout Sunday and Monday. Residential garbage collection is expected to resume its regular schedule this week.
However, outdoor pools, beaches and the Marina Park/Prince Arthur’s Landing splash pad will remain closed.
Essential city services, including transit and emergency services, are running.
