Approximately 2,000 individuals evacuated from various parts of northwestern Ontario have now returned to their homes following a surge in wildfire activity in mid-July. Despite this, around 829 people are still displaced as of Friday, according to officials from Ontario’s Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response.
The recent wildfires led to the evacuation of over a dozen communities in the area, predominantly comprising First Nations, and resulted in the complete destruction 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) terminated its state of emergency from mid-July on Wednesday, urging evacuees to come back. Chief Wilfred King of Gull Bay expressed concerns about the Ontario government’s removal of wildfire implementation and evacuation orders around the community, emphasizing the ongoing risks to members and infrastructure.
Although Chief King had warned against premature optimism regarding reduced forest fire hazards, he and two band councillors conducted an assessment of the situation from a helicopter on Tuesday morning. They observed some hot spots but were assured by the Ministry of Natural Resources that the fires’ west side was adequately staffed, leading them to believe that the situation had significantly improved.
Nevertheless, Chief King continues to push for a public inquiry into the province’s wildfire response, citing issues such as poor communication with First Nation leaders and insufficient emergency preparedness measures that still need to be addressed.
Gull Bay First Nation, located approximately 215 kilometers north of Thunder Bay, is an Ojibway community with a population of around 370 residents. Although road access to Gull Bay has been restored, Highway 527 between Kopka River and Armstrong remains closed in both directions, along with a significant portion of Highway 811 due to nearby wildfires.
Currently, there are nearly 140 wildfires burning across Ontario, with the majority concentrated in the northwest region. 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 upcoming support from firefighters in Mexico, are actively working on suppressing the Rinker Lake Wildland Fire Complex. Despite ongoing efforts, fire activity remains low across the complex.
While wildfire hazards vary from low to high in different areas of the region, especially in the Kenora and Dryden fire management sectors, almost all evacuees from Gull Bay have safely returned home. Chief King expressed gratitude that there were no injuries or property damage during the evacuation period, emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant as the official wildfire season continues until October 31.
In the event of a resurgence in wildfire threats, Gull Bay First Nation stands prepared to evacuate once again.