Northwestern Ontario is currently facing a total of 87 active wildfires, as reported by Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) on Friday evening. Among these wildfires, 10 are not yet under control, while six are being held, and eight are under control, with the remaining fires under observation status. Two new fires were confirmed on Friday in the northwest region: Nipigon 99 (NIP099) and Nipigon 100 (NIP100).
The forest fire hazard levels are mostly rated as low and moderate in northwestern Ontario. However, there are notable areas of high hazard, especially in the southwestern parts of the region, encompassing the Thunder Bay and Kenora districts.
In terms of significant fires in the region, the Rinker Complex, composed of Thunder Bay 36, Dryden 34, and Dryden 35, remains one of the largest firefighting operations. The fires in this complex are extensive, with Thunder Bay 36 covering 301,240 hectares, Dryden 34 at 45,800 hectares, and Dryden 35 at 30,201 hectares, all of which are still not under control. Evacuation orders are in place for affected areas of these fires.
The Atikokan Cluster, including Fort Frances 13, 14, and 15, is another notable firefighting area. The fires in this cluster range in size, with Fort Frances 13 now being observed, while Fort Frances 14 and 15 are not under control.
Currently, approximately 829 individuals remain displaced due to wildfires in Ontario, with about 2,000 evacuees having already returned home. The ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response has been actively coordinating with various stakeholders to manage the situation.
Two new evacuation alerts have been issued for Fort Frances 39 and Minnesota’s “Thumb Fire,” urging residents to prepare for potential evacuations. Additionally, several evacuation orders and alerts remain in effect for various fire-affected areas.
Highway closures are in effect due to wildfire activities, and mail delivery services have been suspended in several communities. The ministry has allocated additional resources to combat the wildfires, including funding for new aircraft and personnel positions.
In the northeastern region, there are currently 44 active wildland fires, with forest fire danger ratings predominantly low and moderate. The ministry is implementing various measures to enhance firefighting efforts and support affected communities.