UPDATE 3:00 p.m: The Ministry of Natural Resources says the number of active wildland fires in northwestern Ontario has grown to 148.
26 new fires were identified on Tuesday.
The OPP has issued mandatory evacuation orders for six communities:
- Armstrong
- Collins First Nation
- Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation (Lac La Croix First Nation)
- Gull Bay First Nation
- Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation
- Whitesand First Nation
Gull Bay First Nation was evacuated late Tuesday night.
Ignace, Pickle Lake, Upsala, Quetico, Crystal Lake, Atikokan and Niobe Lake area are under evacuation watch.
The Upsala Fire Department is warning residents to be prepared to run on short notice if the wind changes direction.
Officials say there are currently no temporary, short-term or long-term accommodations available in Thunder Bay for evacuees.
Efforts are now focused on relocating people to communities in southern Ontario.
In a news release, Gull Bay First Nation said alternative evacuation sites do not allow families to stay together and may not adequately support health-care or transportation needs.
Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa shared a dramatic video from freight train workers as wildfire flames burned near Collins First Nation, close to Armstrong.
A CN spokesperson confirmed to Acadia Broadcasting that the crew was safely evacuated from the area Monday night and all operations near Armstrong have been suspended.
Highway 11 reopened at around 8 p.m. CT. Highways 599 and 527 remain closed.
The Northern Reach Rescue Network (NRRN) is looking for foster families to help care for pets displaced by wildfire evacuations across northwestern Ontario. Anyone in northwestern Ontario interested in fostering a pet, volunteering, or making a donation is encouraged to contact the Northern Reach Rescue Network through its Facebook page.
The Ministry of Natural Resources has put in place a Restricted Fire Zone that covers all of northwestern Ontario and a small portion of northeastern Ontario. The measure restricts the use of campfires, outdoor stoves, and any outdoor burning until further notice.
Air quality in Thunder Bay is reaching very concerning levels for a second day. Environment Canada says the Air Quality Health Index has climbed to 10, the highest point on its risk scale. Residents are being encouraged to stay indoors whenever possible and to use air purifiers or well-fitting masks if they need to spend time outside.
Residents across northwestern Ontario are being urged to use extreme caution in forested areas and along the wildland-urban interface, where homes and communities border forested land. Officials are reminding the public to avoid parking on dry grass, allow ATVs and other off-road vehicles to cool regularly, and avoid using fire unless absolutely necessary.
A Facebook post from journalist Jon Thompson claims a fire north of Saugeen First Nation has cut fibre to the Musselwhite Mine, one of the largest gold mines in Canada.
This is a developing story. More updates will be provided when available.
