Thunder Bay, ON — NEWS – July 21, 2026– Air quality conditions in Thunder Bay have improved significantly, allowing Community services and outdoor activities to continue operating normally while the Urban centre maintains its support for the ongoing regional wildfire response.
The Air Quality Health Index is currently atLow-Riskconditions throughout the day, increasing to Moderate Risk tonight and into tomorrow. With improved air quality conditions, all Municipality facilities, outdoor programs, parks, beaches, pools, and recreational amenities are operating as normal. Municipality crews have resumed regular outdoor work and will continue to monitor conditions and implement protective measures if air quality deteriorates.
If outdoor work and services are impacted in the future, new information will be provided to the local residents. While those at higher risk may wish to reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities if they experience symptoms, the public can continue normal outdoor activities. Residents are encouraged to monitor current conditions and adjust activities as needed. No new wildfires have been reported across the region, and no evacuations have been planned for today.
Residents can contact the field health-care facility directly at 807-358-5417.
While conditions in Thunder Bay have improved, wildfires continue to burn in parts of Northwestern Ontario, and several communities remain under evacuation orders or alerts. The Urban centre remains prepared to support regional response efforts and additional evacuations should the need arise and continues to work closely with crisis management partners across the region. The Municipality extends its sincere thanks to residents, organizations and volunteers for their extraordinary generosity and support shown to evacuees and affected communities throughout the wildfire response. Physical donation sites have reached capacity and are no longer accepting donations. However, monetary donations continue to be welcome and go a long way in supporting displaced families passing through Thunder Bay and those impacted by ongoing evacuations. Financial contributions can be made through theUnited Way of the Lakehead. Veterinary Support for Evacuees and Displaced Animals Vets Around the Corner– The public Veterinarian Program, a federally registered not-for-profit organization, has established a veterinary field medical centre at Grandview Arena to support wildfire evacuees and those caring for animals displaced by the wildfires. The field health centre will operate until at least Friday, with the potential to extend services if needed. Veterinary services are provided free of charge for individuals affected by evacuations and those who have taken in animals impacted by the wildfire critical incident. The organization also has the capacity to deploy its veterinary ambulance to other communities should support be required. Residents can contact the field health-care facility directly at 807-358-5417. Please note:These services have been established specifically to support animals affected by the current wildfire urgent situation. Residents are asked to reserve the field hospital’s resources for evacuees and displaced animals and tocontinue using their regular veterinary provider for routine pet care, non-emergency appointments, and new patient registrations. The Thunder Bay Critical incident Food Plan (EFP) coordinates food assistance and donations during emergencies to help ensure support reaches those who need it most. Anyone requiring food assistance, or wishing to donate food or related supplies, is encouraged to contact the EFP. Residents can also access information on the region food programs through theWhere to Get Food in Thunder Bayguide available on the Thunder Bay District Health Unit website. Local residents members interested in volunteering to support wildfire response and evacuation efforts are encouraged to register withOntario Corps, which helps connect volunteers with organizations supporting urgent situation response across Ontario. While conditions in Thunder Bay have improved, residents are encouraged to remain prepared for emergencies. Having a 72-hour critical incident kit ready can help individuals and families be self-sufficient during an evacuation, extended power outage, or other urgent situation situations. Residents can learn more about urgent response preparedness and how to build a 72-hour kit atwww.getprepared.gc.ca. Residents looking for information about wildfire-related supports and services cancall or text 211or visit211north.ca/northern-ontario-wildfires. In an crisis, call 911 immediately. The improvement in air quality is a welcome growth for Thunder Bay residents and Urban centre operations. While the regional wildfire situation remains active, the Lakehead continues to monitor conditions, support urgent situation management partners, and stand ready to assist affected communities if needed. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through credible sources including the Urban centre website and social channels, be prepared, and continue showing the public spirit that has defined the Lakehead region’s response throughout this crisis. More detailed information on the risks associated with poor air quality and ways you can protect yourself and your family, along with links to Environment Canada’s current AQHI can be found atwww.tbdhu.com/outdoorair. For the latest wildfire information, residents can view the currentSmoke Forecast map at firesmoke.ca, and are encouraged to follow official updates from the Ministry of Natural Resources. We have also compiled a list of links to credible sources online that individuals may find useful which can be found atwww.Thunder Bay.ca/fireinfo..
Community members are encouraged to stay informed and share this information with friends and family. Following trusted local news sources helps ensure everyone stays up to date with events and announcements affecting Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.
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📍 Source: NetNewsLedger · By: NetNewsLedger Staff · 🗓️ July 26, 2026 · 🏠 ThunderBay.Online
