Approximately 2,000 evacuees from various parts of northwestern Ontario have made their way back home following a surge of wildfire incidents in mid-July. However, as of Friday, around 829 individuals are still displaced, as confirmed by officials from Ontario’s Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response.
This summer, a significant number of communities, predominantly First Nations, were evacuated due to wildfires in the region. Tragically, two communities, namely Namaygoosisagagun First Nation (also known as Collins First Nation) and Whitewater Lake First Nation, were completely destroyed.
With the wildfire threats subsiding in most areas, Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Bay First Nation) terminated its state of emergency from mid-July on Wednesday, urging evacuees to return home. Despite this positive development, Chief Wilfred King of Gull Bay expressed dissatisfaction with the Ontario government’s decision to revoke wildfire implementation and evacuation orders around the community, citing ongoing risks to members and infrastructure.
Chief King, who had previously warned against premature optimism concerning reduced forest fire dangers, along with two band councillors, conducted an aerial assessment of the situation on Tuesday morning. He mentioned that while some hot spots were observed, the Ministry of Natural Resources assured proper monitoring of the fires’ west side, leading to increased confidence in the improved conditions.
Despite the progress, Chief King continues to advocate for a public inquiry into the province’s wildfire response, emphasizing concerns about inadequate communication with First Nation leaders and emergency preparedness shortcomings. He stressed the need to address unresolved issues from a month ago.
Gull Bay First Nation, an Ojibway community situated about 215 kilometers north of Thunder Bay with a population of around 370 residents, has restored road access. However, Highway 527 between Kopka River and Armstrong and a significant portion of Highway 811 remain closed due to nearby wildfires.
Currently, there are nearly 140 wildfires burning in Ontario, predominantly in the northwest. Notable fires near Gull Bay First Nation include Thunder Bay 36, Dryden 34, and Dryden 35, collectively known as the Rinker Lake Complex, all of which are not under control. Efforts to suppress these fires involve FireRanger crews from Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Ontario, with additional support expected from Mexican firefighters.
While fire activity in the Rinker Lake Complex remains low, the region faces varying levels of wildfire hazards, with high-risk areas concentrated in the Kenora and Dryden fire management sectors. Most evacuees from Gull Bay have safely returned home, with no injuries or property damage reported. Chief King emphasized the need for vigilance among community members, noting that the official wildfire season extends until October 31, and reaffirming the community’s readiness to evacuate if necessary.