The latest report from Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) on Sunday night revealed that there are currently 84 active wildfires in northwestern Ontario. Among these, seven are not under control, six are being held, nine are under control, and the rest are being observed.
As of Sunday evening, no new fires have been reported in the northwest region since the previous update on Friday. The cooler temperatures and precipitation experienced on Saturday were anticipated to aid in diminishing the intensity of some of the major fires in the area.
While the forest fire hazard ranges from low to moderate across most of northwestern Ontario, certain areas, such as around Fort Frances in the southwest corner, north of Lake Nipigon, and near Marten Falls First Nation, have pockets of high hazard.
Fires of significance in the region
- The Rinker Complex: Comprising Thunder Bay 36, Dryden 34, and Dryden 35, this remains one of the largest firefighting operations in the region. Thunder Bay 36 spans 301,240 hectares, Dryden 34 covers 45,800 hectares, and Dryden 35 occupies 30,201 hectares. All three fires are still not under control, with evacuation orders in place for affected areas. Fire activity is currently low, and recent updates indicate that FireRanger crews are making significant progress in extinguishing hotspots.
- Atikokan Cluster: This includes Fort Frances 13, 14, and 15, with respective sizes of 25,313 hectares, 51,768 hectares, and 42,273 hectares. While Fort Frances 13 is being observed, Fort Frances 14 and 15 are listed as not under control. Travel restrictions have been lifted for Fort Frances 14 and 15, but individuals are advised to avoid active firefighting areas. The arrival of 20 additional firefighters from Mexico on Saturday to assist with Fort Frances 14 has been noted, with crews making progress in extinguishing hotspots.
Approximately 829 individuals displaced
As of Friday, around 829 people remain displaced in Ontario due to wildfires, as confirmed by the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response. About 2,000 evacuees from various parts of northwestern Ontario have already returned home.
Minister Jill Dunlop mentioned that the ministry has engaged in over 110 coordination calls with First Nation chiefs, community leaders, emergency partners, municipalities, and the federal government, as shared during a news conference on Tuesday.
Evacuation and implementation orders
Two new evacuation alerts are active for Fort Frances 39 and the “Thumb Fire” in Minnesota. The Dryden Fort Frances Atikokan District has issued an evacuation alert due to the evolving situation and increased fire behavior of wildfires Fort Frances 39 and Minnesota’s ‘Thumb Fire.’ Individuals in proximity to these fires are strongly advised to prepare for potential evacuation on short notice.
Evacuation orders and alerts remain in effect for areas near specific fires, as detailed in official notices. Residents under evacuation orders must vacate the area, while those under evacuation alerts are urged to be prepared to evacuate promptly.
The ministry is conducting assessment flights to document property damage and loss, providing support to impacted property owners via 211 for guidance on next steps, as shared by Minister Mike Harris.
Notably, a restricted fire zone is active in northwestern Ontario and a portion of northeastern Ontario, prohibiting open-air burning activities, including campfires. Additionally, NOTAMs have been issued for specific areas affected by wildfires.
Highway closures in place
Due to wildfire activity, certain roads are currently closed, as indicated on the province’s interactive highway map, affecting travel routes in the region.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) emphasize safety measures for the public and emergency responders, urging compliance with evacuation orders, monitoring official updates, and ensuring roadways are clear for emergency personnel.
Canada Post service disruptions
Mail delivery has been halted in several communities due to wildfire activity, impacting residents in these areas, including those under evacuation orders.
New fires in northeastern Ontario
Two new fires were reported in the northeast on Sunday evening, with varying degrees of containment and observation status. The forest fire danger ratings in northeastern Ontario are predominantly low, with isolated moderate and high hazard areas noted.
Assistance in fighting forest fires
The ministry announced earlier this summer an additional investment of $650
