Residents of Thunder Bay are learning that A total of 146 active wildfires were burning across northwestern Ontario as of Sunday evening, provincial authorities confirmed.
The province also confirmed a total of 13 new fires have been discovered in the northwest region: On Sunday evening, the AFFES stated that of the fires in the northwest region, 51 are not under control, 7 are being held , 8 are under control and 80 are being observed. In the northeast region, the province says 46 active wildland fires are burning, out of which 6 are not under control, bringing the total wildfire count across northern Ontario up to 192. This year’s wildfire season has forced over two dozen communities and areas to evacuate in recent days, including 10 First Nations communities across northern Ontario.
This included Eabametoong First Nation, a fly-in local residents over 300 kilometres north of Thunder Bay. By Sunday evening, a total of 13 flights carrying most members of the First Nation had evacuated to Niagara Falls. In a statement from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), a spokesperson stressed the department’s concern about how the wildfires may be impacting the health, safety and well-being of people in First Nations. “We know emergencies like these can be stressful and disruptive for individuals, families and communities," an ISC statement indicated.
Several other communities and areas that have also been told about potential evacuations include: On Saturday, the Canadian Red Cross remarked it was setting up a response team at the Fort Williams Garden Arena in Thunder Bay to help evacuees.
"Timely evacuations help protect lives and well-being, and we recognize the efforts of First Nation leadership as they work diligently to protect their members. ISC is working closely with First Nations leadership, Ontario and critical incident management partners to support the immediate and evolving needs of impacted communities." On Friday morning, the province issued an evacuation order for an area near the Fort Frances 14 fire, which is slightly more than 55,000 hectares in size and was not under control as of Saturday morning. People in the area of Baril, Bedivere and Windigoostigwan lakes and Lac des Mille Lacs have been told to leave immediately, unless they have a travel permit issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNRF). As of Sunday, the province has also put into effect a new implementation order for areas near the fires known as Thunder Bay 36, 54 and 56 as well as Dryden 34 and 35, meaning all travel in the areas is prohibited unless authorized by a permit for a specific purpose. Several other communities and areas that have also been told about potential evacuations include: On Saturday, the Canadian Red Cross remarked it was setting up a response team at the Fort Williams Garden Arena in Thunder Bay to help evacuees. Speaking at a press conference in Thunder Bay Saturday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford confirmed over 155 fire crews are on the ground helping in the efforts, with more than 80 aircraft deployed. He declared 40 additional aircraft were on standby for suppression efforts, while warning those affected by the wildfires against returning to campsites and homes if they've been ordered to evacuate. The AFFES confirmed additional support, including helicopters, aircraft and aerial support personnel, had arrived from Alberta and Yukon. On Sunday, the Community of Thunder Bay shared with air quality in the Lakehead is expected to improve in the coming days, a number of facilities will reopen. Community crew are expected to resume outdoor work with enhanced health and safety measures, including respiratory protection where appropriate and more frequent breaks. Collection crews are also working to pick up garbage from business and multi-residential units throughout Sunday and Monday. Residential garbage collection is expected to resume its regular schedule this week. However, outdoor pools, beaches and the Marina Park/Prince Arthur's Landing splash pad will remain closed. It is a priority for CBC to create products that are accessible to all in Canada including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered onCBC Gem..
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📍 Source: CBC News Thunder Bay · By: CBC News Staff · 🗓️ July 20, 2026 · 🏠 ThunderBay.Online
