Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) reported 85 active wildfires in northwestern Ontario as of Saturday night. Among them, seven are uncontrolled, six are being held, and nine are under control, with the remaining fires under observation. No new fires were confirmed in the region since the previous update on Friday. The cooler temperatures and expected precipitation on Saturday were anticipated to aid in reducing the intensity of the prominent fires.
The forest fire hazard is generally low in northwestern Ontario, with pockets of moderate hazard in specific areas like Kenora, Marten Falls First Nation, and Thunder Bay north of Lake Nipigon.
Notable fires include the Rinker Complex, comprising Thunder Bay 36, Dryden 34, and Dryden 35, with evacuation orders still in place for affected areas. The Atikokan Cluster, including Fort Frances 13, 14, and 15, saw travel restrictions lifted for some areas, with firefighting efforts benefiting from improved weather conditions.
Approximately 829 individuals remain displaced due to wildfires in Ontario, while around 2,000 evacuees have returned home. New evacuation alerts have been issued, and evacuation orders and alerts remain in effect for various areas near active fires.
In northeastern Ontario, eight new fires were reported, with forest fire danger ratings mainly low across the region. The ministry has allocated additional resources to combat wildfires, including funding for waterbombers and helicopters, increased personnel, and support for impacted communities.
Highway closures are in effect in specific areas due to wildfire activity, and Canada Post has suspended mail delivery in certain communities. The ministry is conducting assessments of property damage and working to restore access to affected regions. Additionally, various aid and support initiatives are in place for evacuees and impacted communities.