Thunder Bay, ON — There were 146 active wildfires burning in northwestern Ontario as of Tuesday night, according to Ontario's Aviation, Forest Fire and Urgent response Services. Of these, 53 are listed as not under control, five are being held, seven are under control, and the rest are being observed. The largest wildfire in the region, known as Thunder Bay…
THUNDER BAY — 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," advised 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 burning…
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 community. The suspension of non-critical Community outdoor operations and programming will continue to protect the health and safety of both staff and participants. In addition to the temporary measures revealed…
News from Thunder Bay: 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 city, including remote communities being evacuated. Paul Bishop, a board member with the non-profit, indicated the network was currently “flooded”…
Thunder Bay, Ontario — WEATHER DESK – the regional capital 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 quality…
News from Thunder Bay: 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 numbers from the…
A developing story from Thunder Bay: 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 spokespersons and Indigenous people evacuated from threatened and…
The northwestern Ontario community is abuzz with news that 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 Critical incident Services (NES), remarked the number one cause of…
Thunder Bay, Ontario — 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, and has accepted…
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…