Around 2,000 evacuees from various parts of northwestern Ontario have made their way back home following a surge of wildfire incidents in mid-July. However, as of Friday, around 829 individuals are still displaced, as per officials from Ontario’s Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response.
This summer’s wildfires led to the evacuation of over a dozen communities in the area, predominantly comprised of First Nations peoples, and resulted in the complete devastation of Namaygoosisagagun First Nation (also known as Collins First Nation) and Whitewater Lake First Nation.
With the wildfire threat subsiding in much of the region, Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Bay First Nation) ended its state of emergency from mid-July on Wednesday, urging evacuees to return home. Despite expressing concerns about the Ontario government’s removal of wildfire orders around the community, Chief Wilfred King and two band councillors conducted an assessment via helicopter on Tuesday morning.
Chief King mentioned, “We were reassured that the Ministry of Natural Resources was effectively managing the fires on the west side, as we observed minimal fire activity and smoke. This instilled confidence in us that there has been significant improvement.”
However, Chief King continues to push for a public inquiry into the province’s response to wildfires due to communication gaps with First Nation leaders and insufficient emergency preparedness measures.
Gull Bay First Nation, an Ojibway community located approximately 215 kilometers north of Thunder Bay with a population of about 370 residents, has seen restored road access. Nevertheless, Highway 527 between Kopka River and Armstrong and a substantial portion of Highway 811 remain closed due to nearby wildfires.
There are nearly 140 wildfires burning across Ontario, with a concentration in the northwest. Notably, Thunder Bay 36, Dryden 34, Dryden 35, and Thunder Bay 56 remain uncontrolled, with Thunder Bay 36 being the largest at over 301,000 hectares.
Firefighting efforts are ongoing across the Rinker Lake Wildland Fire Complex, with additional support expected from firefighters arriving from Mexico. The fire activity across the complex is currently low.
While most evacuees from Gull Bay have returned safely, Chief King emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant as the official wildfire season extends until October 31, stating, “If the need arises to evacuate again, we are prepared to do so.”