Year: 2026

Residents of Thunder Bay are learning that Ontario's wildland firefighters are facing "extremely challenging" conditions on the ground in northwestern Ontario, their union remarked. More than 150 crews were deployed to northwestern Ontario as of Friday morning, including some from Alberta and the Yukon. As of Thursday evening, there were 129 active fires burning in northwestern Ontario, the provincial Aviation,…

The northwestern Ontario community is abuzz with news 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, remarked…

Local authorities in Thunder Bay report that Northwestern Ontario’s wildfire crisis 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 spokespersons and Indigenous people evacuated from threatened and…

A developing story 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 area improvement, but Environment Canada expects very poor air…

A developing story from Thunder Bay: News– The Municipality of Thunder Bay recognizes that the rapidly evolving wildfire situation and the heavy smoke affecting our the area have caused concern for many residents. While conditions across the region remain serious,there is currently no indication that the Community of the Lakehead region is at risk of evacuation. We continue to work…

A developing story from Thunder Bay: As of Monday afternoon, there are 142 active wildfires in the northwest region, according to Ontario Forest Fires. The Pan Canadian Aerial Asset Program managed by the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center have sent two Q400 airtankers and a birddog to assist in the region. However, these wildfires may still be impacted by a…

A developing story from Thunder Bay: With about 600Eabametoong First Nation members at the centre of another evacuationdue to northern Ontario wildfires, local residents leaders are speaking out about the conditions that make First Nations more vulnerable to such crises. “The conditions in which they [First Nations] are dealing with, just in terms of air quality, are already poor —…

Thunder Bay, Ontario — Residents can expect a visible officers presence in the Prince Arthur Boulevard area as Thunder Bay Authorities investigate an incident reported early Saturday morning. The examination is connected to occurrence number TB26028109. The Thunder Bay Law enforcement Service indicated the incident occurred during the early morning hours of July 18, 2026. Officers are expected to remain…

Local authorities in Thunder Bay report that A total of 139 wildfires were burning across northwestern Ontario as of Sunday afternoon, provincial authorities confirmed. This number includes at least eight, covering a total of roughly 3,413 hectares, that were confirmed by the provincial Aviation, Forest Fire and Urgent situation Services (AFFES) agency on Saturday evening: On Sunday, the AFFES stated…

Thunder Bay, Ontario — At a news conference in Thunder Bay on Saturday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford railed against U.S. politicians who’ve criticized Canadian wildfire suppression efforts, adding that many in the current administration have "a very short memory." "I find it a shame the administration in the U.S. and Congress people [are] writing these letters and blaming us," Ford…