Over 1.8K residents displaced as wildfires rage across northern Ontario

More than 1,800 people are displaced in northern Ontario as nearly 200 wildfires continue to rage.

Premier Doug Ford said in a news conference Monday there were 190 active fires in the province, with 56 of them considered out of control. In addition, 112 fires were being observed, six being held and 16 under control. Most of the fires are burning in the province’s northwest.

Thirteen communities have been evacuated or are in the process of evacuation, he said. One community’s own evacuation is pending, according to Ford.

Evacuees have been flown into hub cities, namely Thunder Bay and Red Lake, before being transported to cities that are hosting them. Emergency Management Minister Jill Dunlop said this includes Thunder Bay, Kapuskasing, Sudbury and Barrie, with Toronto also volunteering to house those who need a place to stay.

Neskantaga First Nation is planning another evacuation flight Monday, with evacuees heading to Toronto due to limited hotel space in Thunder Bay.

“We have to look at things such as the health-care capacity in the areas, hotel capacity and the wraparound services as well,” Dunlop said. “We’re working closely with the host communities to ensure that those services are provided.”

She added that organizations including the Ontario Corps, Feed Ontario, and the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centrees are helping in getting emergency food to communities. Global Medic has also helped in delivering N95 masks to Thunder Bay, while the Canadian Red Cross has set up an evacuation centre in the city for communities like Collins First Nation and Armstrong.

The majority of the fires are burning in the Northwest region.

The Whitewater Lake First Nation reported widespread destruction, including homes, belongings and vital infrastructure, deepening concern and loss across remote communities.

Crews say they will prioritize lives, property and critical infrastructure, while restricted fire zones and open-air burning bans remain until further notice across the northwest.

There are currently 155 fire crews working to battle the flames, with approximately 80 water bombers and helicopters in operation, Ford told reporters Monday.

“As I’ve said we will not spare a penny fighting these fires and keeping people safe,” Ford said.

Recent rain has slowed some blazes, but officials say sustained rainfall is needed as residents monitor smoke, interrupted supplies and approaching fires.