Local authorities in Thunder Bay report that There are 145 active wildfires burning in northwestern Ontario, according to the latest update from Ontario Forest Fires, one fewer than reported on Tuesday night. Of these, 41 are listed as not under control, five are being held, nine are under control and the rest are being observed. The largest wildfire in the…
Thunder Bay, Ontario — Yolanda Sakanee says she wants to go home, but there's too much uncertainty in her First Nation, which declared a state of urgent response 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 the city. Its…
Residents of Thunder Bay are learning that The Lakehead of Thunder Bay has activated its Urgent situation Operations Centre as a precaution while wildfires, evacuations and heavy smoke continue to affect Northwestern Ontario. Community administration stressed that the activation does not mean Thunder Bay is facing an immediate wildfire threat. There is currently no indication that residents of the urban…
Local authorities in Thunder Bay report that First Nation chiefs from northwestern Ontario are calling for a public inquiry into the provincial government’s response to the region's wildfires, which have resulted in more than a dozen evacuations. At a media conference hosted by Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) at the Superior Inn Hotel and Conference Centre in Thunder Bay on Tuesday,…
News from Thunder Bay: Two Thunder Bay men have been charged with second-degree murder after law enforcement responding to a reported assault found a deceased person in the Cumming Street area late Saturday night. the regional capital Officers Service officers were called to the area at about 11 p.m. on July officers noted members of the Primary Response Unit found…
Thunder Bay, ON — Provincial animal welfare organizations are coming together to aid pets displaced amid wildfire evacuations across northwestern Ontario. Northern Reach Networkhas received hundreds of messages requesting support in its efforts to help communities in and around the Lakehead region, including remote communities being evacuated. Paul Bishop, a board member with the non-profit, indicated the network was currently…
Thunder Bay, Ontario — With weather conditions improving and fire behaviour slowing, residents of Upsala are returning home following a voluntary evacuation last week. "The weather has cooled. the humidity is up," shared Upsala fire chief Doug Kiezebrink. "Winds are maybe still a bit of a problem." Kiezebrink called the fire — Fort Frances 14, which at one point was…
Residents of Thunder Bay are learning that 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 local residents…
News from Thunder Bay: WEATHER DESK – Thunder Bay begins Saturday under widespread wildfire smoke, sharply reduced visibility and an Orange Air Quality Warning. The temperature is already near 19°C, with a humid afternoon expected as the high reaches 26°C. A chance of showers and thunderstorms could bring temporary community improvement, but Environment Canada expects very poor air quality to…
Residents of Thunder Bay are learning that A veterinary team from southern Ontario has driven up to Thunder Bay to provide care for cats and dogs displaced by the region’s wildfires. More than a dozen communities, including several First Nations in the northwest, are under evacuation this wildfire season. There are about 185 active wildfires across Ontario, according tothe latest…