There have been 84 active wildfires reported in northwestern Ontario, as per the latest update from Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) released on Sunday night. Out of these, seven fires are currently not under control, six are being held, nine are under control, and the remaining are under observation.
According to the province, no new fires were confirmed in the northwest region as of Sunday evening since the previous update on Friday. The situation is being aided by cooler temperatures and expected precipitation on Saturday, which is anticipated to assist in reducing the intensity of some significant fires in the area.
The forest fire hazard level is mainly low across northwestern Ontario, with isolated moderate hazard zones in the Kenora region, near Marten Falls First Nation, and in parts of the Thunder Bay fire management district north of Lake Nipigon.
Notable fires in the region include the Rinker Complex, comprising Thunder Bay 36, Dryden 34, and Dryden 35, which collectively represent one of the largest firefighting operations in the area. The Atikokan Cluster, involving Fort Frances 13, 14, and 15, also presents significant fire challenges.
As of Friday, approximately 829 individuals remain displaced due to the wildfires in Ontario, with around 2,000 evacuees from northwestern Ontario having returned home. The ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response has been actively coordinating with various stakeholders to manage the situation.
New evacuation alerts have been issued for Fort Frances 39 and Minnesota’s “Thumb Fire,” urging residents in these areas to prepare for potential evacuation. Highway closures are in effect due to wildfire activities, and the public is advised to adhere to safety measures and official instructions to ensure their well-being and support emergency responders effectively.