Approximately 2,000 evacuees from various parts of northwestern Ontario have made their way back home following a surge in wildfire activity in mid-July. Nevertheless, around 829 individuals are still displaced as of Friday, as confirmed by officials from Ontario’s Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response.
Throughout this summer, the wildfires led to the evacuation of over a dozen communities in the area, predominantly inhabited by First Nations. Tragically, two communities, Namaygoosisagagun First Nation (also known as Collins First Nation) and Whitewater Lake First Nation, were completely destroyed.
As the wildfire threats have subsided in most parts of the region, Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (also known as Gull Bay First Nation) terminated its state of emergency from mid-July on Wednesday, with the chief and council urging evacuees to return home.
Chief Wilfred King of Gull Bay expressed concerns over the Ontario government rescinding wildfire implementation and evacuation orders near the community, emphasizing that the safety of their members and infrastructure is still at risk. Despite King’s initial caution regarding reduced forest fire dangers, he, along with two band councillors, conducted an assessment of the situation via helicopter on Tuesday morning.
King reported to CBC News on Thursday that while there were some hot spots, the Ministry of Natural Resources assured that the fires’ west side was adequately supervised. This assurance, coupled with the absence of significant fires or heavy smoke, led to increased confidence in the improved conditions.
Nonetheless, King persists in advocating for a public inquiry into the province’s wildfire response, citing issues such as inadequate communication with First Nation leaders and insufficient emergency preparedness measures that need to be addressed.
Gull Bay First Nation, an Ojibway community positioned about 215 kilometers north of Thunder Bay with a population of roughly 370 individuals, has restored road access. However, Highway 527 between Kopka River and Armstrong remains shut down in both directions, along with a significant section of Highway 811 due to nearby wildfires.
Ontario currently grapples with nearly 140 active wildfires, with the majority concentrated in the northwest. Notably, the closest fires to Gull Bay First Nation include Thunder Bay 36, Dryden 34, Dryden 35, and Thunder Bay 56, collectively known as the Rinker Lake Complex.
Firefighting crews from Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Ontario, alongside forthcoming support from firefighters from Mexico, are intensifying suppression efforts at the Rinker Lake Wildland Fire Complex. Presently, fire activity in the area remains subdued.
While almost all evacuees from Gull Bay have successfully returned home unharmed and without property damage, Chief King emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant as the official wildfire season extends until October 31. The community stands ready to evacuate again if necessary.