Amid heightened wildfire activity in mid-July, approximately 2,000 evacuees from northwestern Ontario have returned home, as per Ontario’s Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response. However, around 829 individuals are still displaced as of Friday due to the wildfires that prompted evacuations in over a dozen communities, predominantly comprising First Nations populations. Notably, two communities, Namaygoosisagagun First Nation (Collins First Nation) and Whitewater Lake First Nation, were entirely destroyed by the wildfires.
As the wildfire threats in the region have subsided, Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Bay First Nation) terminated its state of emergency from mid-July on Wednesday, urging evacuees to come back. Despite Chief Wilfred King expressing concerns over the Ontario government revoking wildfire implementation and evacuation orders around the community, he acknowledged improvements in the wildfire situation following an aerial assessment on Tuesday.
Chief King emphasized that while there were minor hot spots, the Ministry of Natural Resources was actively monitoring and managing the fires on the west side. He stressed that there was a significant improvement in the situation, with reduced fire activity and smoke, leading to increased confidence among residents.
Nevertheless, Chief King continues to push for a public inquiry into the provincial wildfire response, citing communication gaps with First Nation leaders and inadequate emergency preparedness. Gull Bay First Nation, located approximately 215 kilometers north of Thunder Bay with a population of around 370 individuals, has restored road access, but certain highways remain closed due to nearby wildfires.
The region currently grapples with nearly 140 active wildfires, the majority concentrated in northwestern Ontario. Notably, Thunder Bay 36, Dryden 34, Dryden 35, and Thunder Bay 56 are significant wildfires, with Thunder Bay 36 being the largest in the province at over 301,000 hectares. The Rinker Lake Complex, which includes the aforementioned fires, is a focal point for firefighting efforts involving crews from Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and soon Mexico.
Although wildfire risks vary across the region, with high hazards mainly in the Kenora and Dryden fire management sectors, most evacuees from Gull Bay have safely returned home. Chief King emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant, especially since the official wildfire season extends until October 31, reiterating the community’s readiness to evacuate if necessary.