Northwestern Ontario is currently experiencing 95 active wildfires, as reported by Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) on Thursday night. Among these wildfires, 11 are uncontrolled, five are being contained, 10 are under control, and the remaining fires are under observation.

Two new fires have emerged in the northwest region. Fort Frances 67 (FOR067) is situated northeast of McIntyre Lake, approximately 1 kilometer west of Marj Lake, with a size of 1.4 hectares and is not contained. Nipigon 98 (NIP098) is located northeast of Clear Lake, about 14 kilometers north of Highway 17, covering 0.1 hectares and also not under control.

While most of northwestern Ontario faces low to moderate forest fire risks, areas in the southwest, particularly in Thunder Bay and Kenora districts, are experiencing significant high-hazard conditions. Mike Harris, the Minister of Natural Resources, highlighted the challenges posed by complex fires in recent weeks, including those in the Quetico area and near the Canada-U.S. border.

The firefighting efforts involve more than 150 Ontario fire crews supported by nearly 100 aircraft, including helicopters and water bombers. As the situation evolves, resources are being redeployed back to their respective regions. Notable fires such as the Rinker Complex and Atikokan Cluster remain uncontrolled, leading to evacuation orders in certain areas.

Approximately 1,150 individuals are still displaced as a result of the wildfires, with ongoing coordination efforts to support affected communities. Evacuation orders and alerts are in place for various fire-affected areas, with safety measures and support being provided to impacted residents.

In addition to the challenges faced in northwestern Ontario, the northeast region is also battling 44 active wildfires. While most areas have low to moderate fire danger ratings, pockets of high hazard exist, especially around Sault Ste. Marie and Greater Sudbury.

To enhance firefighting capabilities, the ministry has allocated $650 million for acquiring new firefighting equipment and personnel. The after-action review will guide future improvements in wildfire response strategies. Efforts to provide aid, including air purifiers, masks, hygiene kits, and food supplies, are ongoing to support evacuees and affected communities.