There are 139 active wildfires burning in northwestern Ontario, with 30 listed as not under control, according to the latest update from the Ministry of Natural Resources.
The ministry also reported on Thursday that pressure has seemed to have eased a bit, noting how "minimal fire behaviour has been observed in recent days."
Evacuation orders or alerts remain in effect for areas near the following fires:
The largest wildfire in the region, known as Thunder Bay 36, remains out of control and spans more than 315,000 hectares.
The Ministry of Natural Resources said the Thunder Bay–Ignace District has invoked an implementation order for areas near Dryden 36 for the purposes of public safety and fire suppression.
An implementation order allows the ministry to issue formal, legally binding orders that restrict activities and manage access inside emergency boundaries.
"Even when fire behaviour looks minimal, large wildland fires may remain classified as NUC [not under control] for longer because it takes time to ensure the entire perimeter is contained," the ministry noted on Thursday.
"We advise the public to stay clear of all active fires in their area. Doing so will interfere with ongoing suppression efforts and could put FireRangers and aircraft at risk."
The Pan Canadian Aerial Asset Program managed by the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre have sent two Q400 airtankers and a birddog to help in the region.
Six AT-802 aircraft and a crew of 12 were also mobilized from Alberta to support wildland fire suppression efforts.
As of Friday, forest fire danger ratings have progressed to high across large areas of the northwest, contrasting to the mostly low or moderate ratings seen throughout the region earlier in the week.
There are also pockets of extreme hazard within the District of Rainy River and near Deer Lake.
Highway closures in effect
According to the province's interactive highway map, the closure of Highway 527 at Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek — Gull Bay First Nation — remains in effect and is still extended to the Highway 811 junction.
Highway 811 is also closed due to ongoing wildfire activity, with the exception of local traffic evacuating the area.
The First Nation remains under a mandatory evacuation order after lightning brought the total number of wildfires surrounding the community to six, according to a release issued by the community early Tuesday morning.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) urge people for their safety and the safety of emergency responders to:
- Stay away from affected areas and refrain from attending wildfire scenes to take photos or videos.
- Remain calm and follow all evacuation orders and emergency instructions issued by local authorities.
- Avoid non-essential travel in affected areas.
- Monitor official sources for the latest information and evacuation updates.
- Remain away from evacuated areas until authorities have advised it is safe to return.
- Help keep roadways clear so emergency personnel can carry out their work safely and effectively.
- If evacuating, bring essential medications, identification, important documents, mobile devices and chargers and any items required to support family members and pets.
No new fires in the northeast
No new fires were reported in the northeast on Thursday.
There are 40 active wildfires in the northeast region as of the evening. Of these, two are not under control, one is being held, four are under control and the rest are being observed.
Forest fire danger ratings are mostly low to moderate across the northeast, with a pocket of high hazard in the Greater Sudbury area.
Evacuee total rises to 2,861
There are now more than 2,800 wildfire evacuees from more than a dozen communities across the province, according to an update issued by Ontario's Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response, Jill Dunlop, late Wednesday afternoon.
They are staying in eight official host communities.
There have been four Ontario Corps partners and 17 Ontario Corps volunteers sent to help. As well, the province says the following equipment/supplies have been provided:
- 312 air purifiers
- 84 air filters
- Five air scrubbers
- 2,640 N-95 masks
- 4,340 hygiene kits
- 80 food hampers
As part of these efforts, Feed Ontario and the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres are shipping and distributing food to evacuees. GlobalMedic has also delivered essential supplies to the evacuation reception centre at the Fort William Gardens Arena in Thunder Bay.
In addition, the Kaministiquia and Upsala fire departments were among some regional fire services to receive wildland fire skids from GlobalMedic.
Thunder Bay transitions to 'enhanced monitoring'
The City of Thunder Bay has moved from active emergency co-ordination to enhanced monitoring.
"Wildfire conditions across northwestern Ontario remain serious but stable... and no new evacuations are anticipated at this time," the city said in an update late Wednesday afternoon.
"The city stands ready to assist, should additional support be required."
Residents are encouraged to take steps to reduce wildfire risk around their homes and properties by following FireSmart principles, including:
- Keeping grass cut short and well maintained.
- Removing combustible materials from around buildings and structures.
- Maintaining clear access to homes and driveways.
- Properly disposing of yard waste, brush and other debris.
More information about FireSmart practices is available at www.firesmartcanada.ca.