Approximately 2,000 individuals who were evacuated due to heightened wildfire activity in northwestern Ontario have now returned to their homes, with around 829 evacuees still displaced as of Friday, as reported by officials from Ontario’s Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response.
The recent wildfires led to the evacuation of over a dozen communities in the region, predominantly First Nations settlements, and resulted in the complete destruction of Namaygoosisagagun First Nation (also known as Collins First Nation) and Whitewater Lake First Nation.
In a positive development, Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Bay First Nation) terminated its state of emergency from mid-July on Wednesday, urging evacuees to come back to their residences as the wildfire threats subsided in the area.
Chief Wilfred King of Gull Bay expressed concerns about the Ontario government’s withdrawal of wildfire orders, emphasizing that risks to community members and infrastructure persist. Despite some lingering forest fire risks, Chief King and two band councillors conducted an aerial assessment on Tuesday, noting improved conditions with proper management of fire hot spots.
Chief King continues to press for a public inquiry into the province’s wildfire response, citing communication gaps with First Nation leaders and insufficient emergency readiness measures. He stressed the need to address unresolved issues from a month ago.
Gull Bay First Nation, an Ojibway community located approximately 215 kilometers north of Thunder Bay with a population of around 370 residents, has restored road access. However, sections of Highway 527 between Kopka River and Armstrong, and a significant portion of Highway 811 remain closed due to nearby wildfires.
Currently, there are nearly 140 active wildfires across Ontario, with a concentration in the northwest region. Notable fires close to Gull Bay First Nation include Thunder Bay 36, Dryden 34, Dryden 35, and Thunder Bay 56, collectively known as the Rinker Lake Complex.
Firefighting efforts are ongoing, with crews from Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Ontario, along with expected assistance from Mexican firefighters. Fire activity within the Rinker Lake complex is reported as low.
Wildfire risks vary from low to high in different areas, with high-risk zones primarily in the Kenora and Dryden fire management sectors. Most evacuees from Gull Bay have safely returned home, and Chief King stresses the importance of remaining vigilant as the official wildfire season extends until October 31.
In case of any future evacuations, the community is prepared to act promptly to ensure the safety of its members and property.