There are currently 85 active wildfires in northwestern Ontario, as reported by Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) on Saturday night. Among these wildfires, seven are uncontained, six are being managed, nine are under control, and the rest are under observation.
No new fires have been reported in the region since the last update on Friday evening, and the cooler temperatures and expected precipitation on Saturday were anticipated to assist in reducing the intensity of several prominent fires. The forest fire risk is predominantly low in northwestern Ontario, with pockets of moderate hazard in various areas, including the Kenora region, Marten Falls First Nation vicinity, and parts of the Thunder Bay fire management district.
In the region, the Rinker Complex, consisting of Thunder Bay 36, Dryden 34, and Dryden 35, continues to be a major firefighting operation. Evacuation orders remain in place for areas affected by these fires. Additionally, the Atikokan Cluster, comprising Fort Frances 13, 14, and 15, is being monitored closely, with firefighting efforts ongoing. Approximately 829 individuals are still displaced due to the wildfires in Ontario, with around 2,000 evacuees having returned home in northwestern Ontario.
Two new evacuation alerts are in effect for Fort Frances 39 and Minnesota’s “Thumb Fire.” The province has issued evacuation orders and alerts for certain areas near active fires, and individuals are urged to prepare for potential evacuations. Furthermore, several highways have been closed due to wildfire activity, and the Ontario Provincial Police have provided safety guidelines for the public in affected regions.
In northeastern Ontario, eight new fires were confirmed, bringing the total active wildland fires in the region to 47. Forest fire danger ratings are mainly low, with some areas experiencing moderate to high hazards. The ministry has allocated additional resources and funds for firefighting efforts and relief measures, including the deployment of personnel and equipment to assist in managing the wildfires.
Canada Post delivery services have been disrupted in specific communities due to the ongoing wildfire activity. Efforts are ongoing to support those affected by the fires, including the provision of essential supplies and services. The ministry is conducting a comprehensive review of its wildfire response to enhance future planning and emergency preparedness.
