About 2,000 evacuees from various parts of northwestern Ontario have made their way back home following a surge of wildfire activity in mid-July. Nonetheless, as of Friday, approximately 829 individuals are still displaced, as confirmed by authorities from Ontario’s Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response.
Throughout this summer’s wildfires, over a dozen communities in the area, predominantly First Nations settlements, were forced to evacuate. Tragically, two communities, Namaygoosisagagun First Nation (also known as Collins First Nation) and Whitewater Lake First Nation, were completely destroyed.
With the wildfire threats subsiding 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, urging evacuees to return home. Chief Wilfred King of Gull Bay recently criticized the Ontario government for lifting wildfire implementation and evacuation orders around the community, citing ongoing risks to members and infrastructure.
Despite initial concerns raised by Chief King about lingering forest fire hazards, he, along with two band councillors, conducted an aerial assessment of the situation on Tuesday morning. King reported observing some hot spots but was reassured by the Ministry of Natural Resources’ efforts to manage the fires effectively on the west side.
While advocating for a public inquiry into the province’s wildfire response due to communication gaps with First Nation leaders and insufficient emergency readiness, Chief King emphasized the need to address unresolved issues from a month ago.
Gull Bay First Nation, situated approximately 215 kilometers north of Thunder Bay, is home to around 370 residents. Although road access to Gull Bay has been restored, sections of Highway 527 between Kopka River and Armstrong, as well as a significant portion of Highway 811, remain closed due to nearby wildfires.
Presently, there are nearly 140 wildfires burning across Ontario, with the majority concentrated in the northwest region. 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.
Efforts to combat the Rinker Lake Wildland Fire Complex involve FireRanger crews from Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and soon, firefighters from Mexico. Despite ongoing suppression operations, fire activity in the area remains low.
While most evacuees from Gull Bay have returned safely, Chief King emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant until the official end of the wildfire season on October 31. He assured that if evacuation becomes necessary again, the community is prepared to act promptly.