Here's the latest on the northwestern Ontario forest fires: Monday, July 20

Here's the latest on the northwestern Ontario forest fires: Monday, July 20

146 active wildfires burning across the northwest region

190 active wildfires burning in Ontario, 146 located in northwestern region, according to provincial officials.

These wildfires may be impacted by a severe thunderstorm this afternoon and evening.

Environment Canada issued a yellow severe thunderstorm watch around noon on Monday, spanning from Rainy River to Red Rock, north to Ear Falls and south along the Canada-U.S. border.

Meteorologists are tracking the thunderstorm that is currently roughly 34 kilometres west of Savant Lake and moving eastward at 40 kilometres per hour.

It is capable of producing strong wind gusts of 90 to 110 kilometres per hour, hail of loonie to ping pong ball size and local utility outages.

The province also confirmed a total of 13 new fires have been discovered in the northwest region on Sunday:

On Sunday evening, the AFFES said 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 190.

Three new wildland fires were confirmed in the region on Sunday:

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 community 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 said.

"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 emergency 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 said it was setting up a response team at the Fort Williams Garden Arena in Thunder Bay to help evacuees.

Speaking at a press conference in Thunder Bay on 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 said 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.

Cancellations, suspensions and closures

On Sunday, the City of Thunder Bay said with air quality in the city is expected to improve in the coming days, a number of facilities will reopen.

City crew are expected to resume outdoor work with enhanced health and safety measures, including respiratory protection where appropriate and more frequent breaks.

As of Sunday, the following service changes are also in effect:

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.

Essential city services, including transit and emergency services, are running.