News from Thunder Bay: Yolanda Sakanee says she wants to go home, but there's too much uncertainty in her First Nation, which declared a state of urgent situation last week due to northwestern Ontario’s wildfires. Sakanee is one of more than 130 evacuees from Neskantaga First Nation, a remote Ojibway local residents about 440 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay. Its…
Thunder Bay, Ontario — NEWS – July 21, 2026– Air quality conditions in Thunder Bay have improved significantly, allowing The Lakehead services and outdoor activities to continue operating normally while the Urban centre maintains its support for the ongoing regional wildfire response. The Air Quality Health Index is currently atLow-Riskconditions throughout the day, increasing to Moderate Risk tonight and into…
Local authorities in Thunder Bay report that Northwestern Ontario’s wildfire urgent situation remains the leading story for NetNewsLedger readers on Sunday, July 19, 2026, with 137 active fires, continuing evacuations and widespread smoke affecting communities, transportation and public health. Ontario Premier Doug Ford was in Thunder Bay Saturday, where he met with fire authorities and Indigenous people evacuated from threatened…
Residents of Thunder Bay are learning that Support continues to pour in for wildfire evacuees in Thunder Bay, with one organization saying it's received thousands of donations in support of people displaced by the fires burning across northwestern Ontario. Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment & Training Services (KKETS) has transformed its warehouse on Beaverhall Place in the municipality into a donation hub,…
A developing story from Thunder Bay: Despite wildfire conditions improving in and around Thunder Bay, Ont., on Tuesday, there are many steps residents can still take to reduce their wildfire risk and the likelihood of negative impacts to their properties. Mark Shruiff, the fire chief for Neebing Urgent response Services (NES), confirmed the number one cause of fire spread and…
News from Thunder Bay: the Lakehead moved sharply against the national trend in 2025, recording an 18 per cent growth in its police-reported crime rate while Canada’s overall rate declined. For many in the urban centre that does not come as a surprise. Crime is on the upswing, and often to many people the city Law enforcement are overwhelmed at…
Thunder Bay, Ontario — With many wildfire evacuees currently living in hotels in large cities with limited resources for prolonged periods, regional health service providers are advocating for greater support for the health of those who have been displaced from their homes. Janet Gordon is the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority’s vice president of the region health. She stated…
Local authorities in Thunder Bay report that Yolanda Sakanee says she wants to go home, but there's too much uncertainty in her First Nation, which declared a state of crisis last week due to northwestern Ontario’s wildfires. Sakanee is one of more than 130 evacuees from Neskantaga First Nation, a remote Ojibway the public about 440 kilometres northeast of Thunder…
Thunder Bay, Ontario — Northwestern Ontario’s wildfire critical incident remains the leading regional story Thursday as thousands of evacuees remain away from home and governments prepare for continued fire activity. Internationally, attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea are pushing crude prices toward US$100 a barrel. Nationally, Canada faces prolonged uncertainty over continental trade, while new crime data and…
Thunder Bay, Ontario — With many wildfire evacuees currently living in hotels in large cities with limited resources for prolonged periods, regional health service providers are advocating for greater support for the health of those who have been displaced from their homes. Janet Gordon is the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority’s vice president of the area health. She advised…