About 2,000 individuals who were evacuated from various parts of northwestern Ontario have now returned home following a significant increase in wildfire activity in mid-July. Nonetheless, as of Friday, approximately 829 people are still displaced, as confirmed by officials at Ontario’s Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response.
During this summer’s wildfires, over a dozen communities, predominantly First Nations settlements, were evacuated in the region. Tragically, two communities, Namaygoosisagagun First Nation (also known as Collins First Nation) and Whitewater Lake First Nation, were completely destroyed.
With the wildfire threat diminishing across much of the area, Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Bay First Nation) terminated its state of emergency from mid-July on Wednesday. The chief and council urged evacuees to return home. Chief Wilfred King of Gull Bay expressed disappointment over the Ontario government’s withdrawal of wildfire implementation and evacuation orders around the community, emphasizing the ongoing risks to members and infrastructure.
Despite initial concerns about remaining forest fire hazards, Chief King, along with two band councillors, conducted an aerial assessment of the situation on Tuesday. King stated that while there were some hot spots, the Ministry of Natural Resources assured proper management of those areas, leading to a significant improvement in conditions.
Chief King continues to push for a public inquiry into the province’s response to the wildfires, citing inadequate communication with First Nation leaders and insufficient emergency preparedness measures. Gull Bay First Nation, an Ojibway community located approximately 215 kilometers north of Thunder Bay with a population of around 370 residents, has now regained road access. However, highways 527 and 811 remain closed due to nearby wildfires.
Currently, there are nearly 140 wildfires burning across Ontario, primarily concentrated in the northwest. Notably, Thunder Bay 36, Dryden 34, Dryden 35, and Thunder Bay 56 are the closest wildfires to Gull Bay First Nation, collectively known as the Rinker Lake Complex. Firefighting efforts are being undertaken by FireRanger crews from Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and soon, Mexico.
While King expressed relief that most evacuees have returned home safely with no injuries or property damage reported, he cautions that the official wildfire season extends until October 31. He emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant and prepared for the possibility of further evacuations if necessary.