Local authorities in Thunder Bay report 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 declared 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 the area 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 advised.
Several other communities and areas that have also been told about potential evacuations include: On Saturday, the Canadian Red Cross shared it was setting up a response team at the Fort Williams Garden Arena in the Lakehead 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 crisis 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). Sunday morning, the province also put into effect an expanded evacuation order for areas near Armstrong, north and east of Lake Nipigon, due to the fires known as Thunder Bay 36, 54 and 56 as well as Dryden 34 and 35. Several other communities and areas that have also been told about potential evacuations include: On Saturday, the Canadian Red Cross shared it was setting up a response team at the Fort Williams Garden Arena in the Lakehead to help evacuees. Speaking at a press conference in the city 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 Lakehead of Thunder Bay remarked with air quality in the community is expected to improve in the coming days, a number of facilities will reopen. Urban centre 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..
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.
🔗 Read the original report from CBC News Thunder Bay
For more local news, weather, sports, events, and community updates across Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, visit ThunderBay.Online — your trusted source for everything happening in the region.
📍 Source: CBC News Thunder Bay · By: CBC News Staff · 🗓️ July 20, 2026 · 🏠 ThunderBay.Online
