About 2,000 evacuees from various parts of northwestern Ontario have made their way back home following a surge in wildfire activity in mid-July. However, as of Friday, approximately 829 individuals are still displaced, as confirmed by officials from Ontario’s Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response.
The recent wildfires resulted in the evacuation of over a dozen communities in the region, predominantly comprising First Nations populations, and led to the complete destruction of two communities: Namaygoosisagagun First Nation (also referred to as Collins First Nation) and Whitewater Lake First Nation.
With the wildfire threats subsiding in most areas, Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (also known as Gull Bay First Nation) terminated its state of emergency, which had been in place since mid-July, on Wednesday. The chief and council urged evacuees to return to their homes.
Despite expressing concerns about the Ontario government’s removal of wildfire implementation and evacuation orders near the community, Gull Bay’s Chief Wilfred King emphasized the ongoing risks faced by their members and infrastructure.
While Chief King initially cautioned against premature optimism regarding reduced forest fire hazards, he, along with two band councillors, conducted an assessment of the situation via helicopter on Tuesday morning. Observing minimal fire activity and smoke, King stated that significant improvements had been made, with proper monitoring of the fires on the western side.
Although he acknowledged the improvements, King is persisting in his call for a public inquiry into the province’s wildfire response, citing issues such as poor communication with First Nation leaders and inadequate 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 regained road access. However, Highway 527 between Kopka River and Armstrong, as well as a substantial portion of Highway 811, remains closed due to nearby wildfires.
As of now, there are close to 140 wildfires burning across Ontario, mostly concentrated in the northwest region. Notable wildfires in proximity to Gull Bay First Nation include Thunder Bay 36, Dryden 34, Dryden 35, and Thunder Bay 56, collectively known as the Rinker Lake Complex.
Efforts to suppress the wildfires are ongoing, with FireRanger crews from Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Ontario collaborating on the Rinker Lake Wildland Fire Complex. Additional support is expected with the arrival of approximately 60 firefighters from Mexico to bolster the suppression operations.
Although most evacuees from Gull Bay have returned unharmed, Chief King emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant as the official wildfire season extends until October 31. He reassured that if the need arises for further evacuations, they are fully prepared to act swiftly.