There are currently 85 active wildfires in northwestern Ontario, based on the latest report released Saturday night by Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES).
Out of these, seven fires are not under control, six are being held, nine are under control, and the remainder are being monitored.
The province stated that as of Saturday evening, there had been no new fires reported in the northwest region since the previous update on Friday evening. Additionally, cooler temperatures and anticipated rain on Saturday were expected to aid in reducing the intensity of some significant fires in the area.
The forest fire hazard is generally low throughout northwestern Ontario, although there are areas of moderate risk around Kenora and Marten Falls First Nation. There are also pockets of moderate to high risk within the Thunder Bay fire management district north of Lake Nipigon.
(continued)(continued)
Significant Fires in the Area
The Rinker Complex: Comprising Thunder Bay 36, Dryden 34, and Dryden 35 – continues to be one of the largest firefighting operations in this area. Thunder Bay 36 spans 301,240 hectares; Dryden 34 covers 45,800 hectares; and Dryden 35 is at 30,201 hectares. All three remain uncontrolled. An evacuation order is still active for regions impacted by all three fires. Fire activity has been minimal, and a change in weather conditions on Saturday brought cooler temperatures along with potential rainfall that was expected to lessen fire intensity and support firefighting efforts. Atikokan Cluster: This includes Fort Frances 13, 14, and 15. These fires measure 25,313 hectares for Fort Frances 13; Fort Frances 14 covers 51,768 hectares; while Fort Frances 15 is at 42,273 hectares. Fort Frances 13 is now categorized as being observed while Fort Frances 14 and 15 remain uncontrolled. Travel restrictions have been lifted for Fort Frances 14 and 15; however, those returning to these areas are requested to avoid active firefighting zones. The cooler weather on Saturday along with increased humidity and forecasted rain were expected to mitigate fire behavior but stronger winds could potentially lead to smoke spread or isolated flare-ups. The province mentioned that an additional group of twenty firefighters from Mexico joined efforts at Fort Frances 14 on Saturday as crews made progress in extinguishing hotspots.Approximately 829 Individuals Still Displaced
As per Friday’s data from the ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response, roughly 829 individuals continue to be displaced because of wildfires across Ontario. About 2,000 evacuees from various parts of northwestern Ontario have returned home. The ministry has conducted over 110 coordination calls involving First Nation chiefs alongside community leaders and emergency management partners including municipalities as well as federal government representatives according to Jill Dunlop who serves as Ontario’s minister responsible for emergency preparedness during a news conference held Tuesday.Evacuation Alerts Issued
Two new evacuation alerts have been activated for Fort Frances 39 and Minnesota’s “Thumb Fire.” The Dryden-Fort Frances-Atikokan District issued an evacuation alert due to “the evolving situation and increased fire behavior” concerning wildland Fire Fort Frances 39 and Minnesota’s ‘Thumb Fire.’ Residents living or using areas close to these fires on the Ontario side are “strongly encouraged to prepare for evacuation on short notice.” This advisory affects all locations accessed via Lagoon Road plus areas situated near these lakes: Blue Lake. Cranberry Lake. Lac La Croix. Lilac Lake. Loon Lake. Queer Rock Lake. Spring Lake. Thompson Lake. Trout Lake. Evacuation orders or alerts remain active for regions near specific fires: If you’re under an evacuation order you must leave your location; if you’re under an evacuation alert you should prepare for possible departure. “My ministry is also conducting assessment flights to document property damage and loss. Impacted property owners can contact 211 to receive information from our ministry staff regarding next steps,” said Mike Harris who serves as minister of Natural Resources during a press conference held Tuesday. He noted that their ministry is also collaborating closely with Namaygoosisagagun First Nation towards restoring road access back into their landing area which leads into their community; engineers from his department are working diligently on its first bridge aiming at expediting construction efforts. The ministry continues outreach with camps tourist operators along with other stakeholders helping them return so they can assess any damages encountered added Harris furthering details about ongoing initiatives amidst current circumstances surrounding wildfires.(continued)(continued)
