Around 2,000 evacuees from various parts of northwestern Ontario have made their way back home following a significant increase in wildfire activity in the middle of July. However, approximately 829 individuals are still displaced as of Friday, according to officials from the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response in Ontario.
The wildfires this summer led to the evacuation of over a dozen communities in the area, predominantly comprising First Nations, and resulted in the complete devastation of two communities: Namaygoosisagagun First Nation (also known as Collins First Nation) and Whitewater Lake First Nation.
With the wildfire threats subsiding in much of the region, Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (also known as Gull Bay First Nation) ended its state of emergency from mid-July on Wednesday, urging evacuees to return home. Chief Wilfred King of Gull Bay criticized the Ontario government for rescinding wildfire implementation and evacuation orders in the community, expressing concerns about ongoing risks to members and infrastructure.
Despite initial caution regarding reduced forest fire hazards, Chief King, along with two band councillors, conducted an assessment of the situation via helicopter on Tuesday morning. King mentioned that the Ministry of Natural Resources assured proper monitoring of the fires’ west side despite some remaining hot spots.
Advocating for a public inquiry into the province’s wildfire response, King highlighted issues such as inadequate communication with First Nation leaders and insufficient emergency preparedness measures that need to be addressed. Gull Bay First Nation, situated about 215 kilometers north of Thunder Bay with a population of around 370 residents, has seen restored road access, but sections of Highway 527 and Highway 811 remain closed due to nearby wildfires.
There are nearly 140 wildfires burning across Ontario, primarily concentrated in the northwest. Notable fires near Gull Bay First Nation include Thunder Bay 36, Dryden 34, Dryden 35, and Thunder Bay 56 – collectively known as the Rinker Lake Complex. Firefighting efforts involving crews from Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and soon Mexico are ongoing to contain the wildfires in the region.
While the wildfire hazards vary from low to high across the area, particularly in the Kenora and Dryden fire management sectors, most evacuees from Gull Bay have safely returned home. Chief King emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant as the official wildfire season extends until October 31, reassuring that the community is prepared to evacuate again if necessary.