Approximately 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 confirmed by officials from Ontario’s Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response.
The recent wildfires led to the evacuation of more than a dozen communities in the area, predominantly inhabited by First Nations people. Tragically, two communities, namely Namaygoosisagagun First Nation (also known as Collins First Nation) and Whitewater Lake First Nation, were completely destroyed.
With the wildfire threats decreasing in most regions, 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 of Gull Bay emphasized the continued risks to their members and infrastructure.
Chief King, who had previously cautioned against premature optimism regarding reduced fire hazards, along with two band councillors, conducted an aerial assessment on Tuesday morning. He mentioned that while there were some remaining hot spots, the Ministry of Natural Resources assured them of proper monitoring on the west side of the fires, leading to increased confidence in the improved situation.
Advocating for a public inquiry into the province’s wildfire response due to issues like inadequate communication with First Nation leaders and emergency preparedness shortcomings, King highlighted the need for unresolved matters from a month ago to be addressed.
Gull Bay First Nation, located about 215 kilometers north of Thunder Bay and housing around 370 residents, has had road access restored, although Highway 527 between Kopka River and Armstrong remains closed due to nearby wildfires. A significant number of wildfires are currently active in Ontario, especially in the northwest region.
The largest fire, Thunder Bay 36, covering over 301,000 hectares, is not yet under control. Other substantial fires include Dryden 34 and Dryden 35, both over 45,800 and 31,500 hectares, respectively. The Rinker Lake Complex encompasses Thunder Bay 36, Dryden 34, and Dryden 35.
Fire suppression efforts on the Rinker Lake Wildland Fire Complex involve crews from Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Ontario, with additional support expected from firefighters arriving from Mexico. The wildfire activity across the complex remains relatively low.
King underscores the importance of remaining vigilant, as the official wildfire season extends until October 31. Despite everyone’s safe return home and the absence of injuries or property damage, Gull Bay is prepared to evacuate again if necessary.
