The northwestern Ontario community is abuzz with news that 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," declared Upsala fire chief Doug Kiezebrink. "Winds are maybe still a bit of a problem." Kiezebrink called the fire — Fort Frances 14,…
The northwestern Ontario community is abuzz with news that The Community 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 authorities stressed that the activation does not mean Thunder Bay is facing an immediate wildfire threat. There is currently no indication that residents of…
THUNDER BAY — There are 145 active wildfires burning in northwestern Ontario, according to the latest update from Ontario Forest Fires, one fewer than were reported on Tuesday night. Of these, 49 are listed as not under control, six are being held, eight are under control and the rest are being observed. The largest wildfire in the region, known as…
Residents of Thunder Bay are learning that 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 Thunder Bay, including remote communities being evacuated. Paul Bishop, a board member with the non-profit, stated the network…
THUNDER BAY — July 16, 2026– The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) in Thunder Bay remainsVery High Risktoday as smoke from area wildfires continues to impact air quality in the Lakehead. The suspension of non-critical Municipality outdoor operations and programming will continue to protect the health and safety of both staff and participants. In addition to the temporary measures made…
News from Thunder Bay: There are 145 active wildfires burning in northwestern Ontario, according to the latest update from Ontario Forest Fires, one fewer than were reported on Tuesday night. Of these, 49 are listed as not under control, six are being held, eight are under control and the rest are being observed. The largest wildfire in the region, known…
News from Thunder Bay: 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 community into a donation hub, and has accepted…
News from Thunder Bay: Northwestern Ontario’s wildfire critical incident 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 the Lakehead Saturday, where he met with fire authorities and Indigenous people evacuated from threatened and damaged communities.…
Thunder Bay, ON — 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…
The northwestern Ontario community is abuzz with news 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…