Hundreds of residents from two First Nations communities in northwestern Ontario are being evacuated as wildfires continue to rage across the region, with officials warning of worsening conditions due to high winds and dry terrain. The Ministry of Natural Resources reported in Friday evening’s wildfire update bulletin that 14 active fires are burning in the northwest region, three of which were newly discovered. The fire hazard is classified as “high to extreme” across much of the area, prompting the implementation of a Restricted Fire Zone in multiple districts. For real-time fire hazard conditions, evacuation orders and burning restrictions, consult the MNR’s interactive forest fire map. Evacuations underway Approximately 400 residents from Webequie First Nation are expected to be transported to Barrie, Ont., as part of a Phase 1 evacuation prioritizing elders, children, and individuals with medical conditions. The evacuation comes as Nipigon 5, a wildfire threatening the community, expanded to 6,986 hectares and remains not under control. Chief Cornelius Wabasse of Webequie First Nation assured residents that leadership is working with emergency officials to ensure safety. Meanwhile, Deer Lake First Nation declared a full evacuation due to the Red Lake 12 fire, which has grown to 9,616 hectares and is encroaching on the community. Fire ranger crews are laying hose lines and conducting aerial suppression, but smoke is expected to impact the area throughout the weekend. Political calls for increased support Sol Mamakwa, Ontario NDP Deputy Leader and MPP for Kiiwetinoog, whose riding includes the two First Nation communities being evacuated, urged the provincial government to expedite support for evacuees and firefighters. “My thoughts are with the community members from Deer Lake First Nation and Webequie First Nation as they begin their evacuations,” Mamakwa said in a statement on Friday. “I am calling on the Government of Ontario to fully support the communities... in their evacuations and eventual return.” He has also been critical of recent budget cuts to wildland firefighting, citing a $42 million reduction in emergency firefighting funds in his news release. Other fires of concern Kenora 20, spanning 34,008 hectares (including a Manitoba portion), remains uncontained. Fire crews are managing hotspots with helicopter bucketing operations. Kenora 14 is being held at 1,607 hectares, while Sioux Lookout 3 and Fort Frances 4 are also under control but still active. Travel and land use restrictions The MNR has issued Implementation Orders restricting travel, waterway use, and Crown land access in fire-affected zones, including: Ongoing firefighting efforts Aircraft, including waterbombers and helicopters, are actively suppressing fires near Webequie and Deer Lake. An Incident Management Team has been deployed to oversee the Red Lake 12 response. Officials warn that high winds and dry conditions could exacerbate fire growth in the coming days. Updates on evacuation logistics and fire status are being shared via the MNR’s interactive fire map and community bulletins.
