Approximately 2,000 evacuees from various parts of northwestern Ontario have made their way back home following a surge in wildfire incidents in mid-July. However, there are still around 829 individuals who remain displaced as of Friday, according to Ontario’s Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response.
The recent wildfires led to the evacuation of over a dozen communities in the area, primarily comprising First Nations, and resulted in the complete destruction of two communities: Namaygoosisagagun First Nation (also called Collins First Nation) and Whitewater Lake First Nation.
With the wildfire threat subsiding in most regions, Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (also known as Gull Bay First Nation) terminated its state of emergency from mid-July on Wednesday, encouraging evacuees to return home. Chief Wilfred King, from Gull Bay, expressed disappointment at the Ontario government’s lifting of wildfire implementation and evacuation orders around the community, citing ongoing risks to members and infrastructure.
Despite initial concerns about lingering forest fire hazards, Chief King, along with two band councillors, conducted an aerial assessment on Tuesday morning. King reported that while there were some isolated hot spots, the Ministry of Natural Resources assured proper monitoring on the western side of the fires. This led to increased confidence in the improved situation.
Chief King is persisting in his push for a public inquiry into the province’s wildfire response, emphasizing the need for better communication with First Nation leaders and enhanced emergency readiness measures. He stressed that unresolved issues from a month ago still require attention.
Gull Bay First Nation, an Ojibway community situated approximately 215 kilometers north of Thunder Bay with a population of about 370, has regained road access. However, Highway 527 between Kopka River and Armstrong remains closed in both directions, along with a significant section of Highway 811 due to nearby wildfires.
In Ontario, there are nearly 140 active wildfires, with the majority concentrated in the northwest. Notable fires near Gull Bay First Nation include Thunder Bay 36, Dryden 34, Dryden 35, and Thunder Bay 56, collectively known as the Rinker Lake Complex. Efforts involving FireRanger crews from Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and incoming firefighters from Mexico are underway to manage these fires, with ongoing low fire activity reported in the Rinker Lake wildland fire complex.
The wildfire risk varies across the region, with high hazard zones primarily in the Kenora and Dryden fire management sectors. Despite challenges, almost all Gull Bay evacuees have safely returned home with no injuries or property damage reported. Chief King emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant as the official wildfire season extends until October 31, ready to evacuate if necessary.