As per the latest update from Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) on Friday night, there are currently 87 active wildfires in northwestern Ontario. Among these, 10 fires are not yet under control, six are being held, eight are under control, and the remaining fires are under observation.
Two additional fires were reported in the northwest region on Friday evening. Nipigon 99 (NIP099) is situated east of Pays Plat, about 3 kilometers northeast of Highway 17 and 5.5 kilometers north of Rossport, covering 0.1 hectares and not under control. Similarly, Nipigon 100 (NIP100) is positioned around 10.5 kilometers north of Highway 17 in Pays Plat and 2 kilometers northeast of West Fox Lake, also spanning 0.1 hectares and not under control.
While the forest fire hazard is generally low to moderate in northwestern Ontario, areas in the southwestern part, including Thunder Bay and Kenora districts, are experiencing significant high-hazard conditions.
Notably, the Rinker Complex, composed of Thunder Bay 36, Dryden 34, and Dryden 35, remains a major firefighting operation in the region. These fires, totaling 301,240 hectares, 45,800 hectares, and 30,201 hectares respectively, are all categorized as not under control. Evacuation orders persist for affected areas within these fire zones. Similarly, the Atikokan Cluster fires, Fort Frances 13, 14, and 15, covering 25,279 hectares, 51,768 hectares, and 42,273 hectares, have varying statuses with evolving smoke conditions impacting the region.
Approximately 829 individuals remain displaced due to the ongoing wildfires in Ontario. The Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response has conducted numerous coordination calls with stakeholders to manage the crisis effectively.
Evacuation alerts have been issued for Fort Frances 39 and Minnesota’s “Thumb Fire,” urging residents to prepare for potential evacuation. Additionally, several evacuation orders and alerts are in place for various fire-affected regions, necessitating swift actions from residents.
Forest fire danger ratings across northeastern Ontario are predominantly low to moderate, with isolated high-hazard areas. The ministry has allocated additional resources, including funding for new firefighting equipment and personnel positions, to enhance firefighting capabilities and response strategies.
Furthermore, various community support initiatives and aid efforts are ongoing, including the provision of essential supplies, air quality equipment, and food distributions to affected regions and evacuees. Assistance from different organizations and fire departments is being mobilized to combat the wildfires effectively and support impacted communities.