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CBC
5 days ago
- Climate
- CBC
As wildfire evacuations continue in northwestern Ontario, lightning threatens the landscape
Social Sharing Community members from Webequie First Nation in northwestern Ontario are continuing to be flown out as nearby wildfires show no signs of letting up. The remote Ojibway community declared a state of emergency and initiated a phase 1 evacuation last Thursday due to Nipigon 5, a wildfire measuring more than 8,500 hectares. The first evacuees were brought out on Monday, delayed by a shortage of aircraft due to competing demands in other communities impacted by wildfires, according to Webequie's Chief Cornelius Wabasse. As of Wednesday, more than 370 evacuees had been brought to Barrie, about a one-hour drive north of Toronto. "We're making progress, trying to get especially the vulnerable [community members] out, people that have respiratory issues and other medical conditions," Wabasse told CBC News on Wednesday. At that point, the fire was moving away from the community, though Wabasse said the wind was bringing heavy smoke from out west. Wabasse — identified as a community member prioritized for evacuation — is staying in Thunder Bay in order to be closer to his community to co-ordinate evacuation efforts. A number of resources have been set up for evacuees in Barrie, he said, including "medical support, counselling support, all those mental health supports as well, too." "I think they're doing a good job over there in Barrie, making sure that everybody is comfortable and that we don't overlook the well-being of those people that are there," Wabasse said. On Wednesday, four more flights were scheduled out of Webequie, with more expected to take place Thursday. Meanwhile, hundreds of evacuees from Deer Lake First Nation are staying in Toronto, while members of Wabaseemoong Independent Nations have been in Niagara Falls since mid-May. A number of special air quality statements and warnings remain in effect across the region due to smoke pollution from both Ontario and Manitoba wildfires. "Our officers have been assisting in Webequie First Nation this week where forest fires have forced the evacuation of the community. Our thoughts are with the people of this Webequie First Nation and other Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities across the province being threatened by Ontario wildfires," the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service posted on Facebook Wednesday. "We would also like to take a moment to thank our NAPS officers who have stepped up during this time of crisis and provided their communities with the services they expect and deserve. "We've dispatched additional officers to Webequie, who are now also helping to ensure community safety is maintained and that evacuated residents receive the help they need during this stressful time," the post says. Fires 'gaining size very fast' Chris Marchand, a fire information officer with Ontario's Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services who is based in Dryden, said the 2025 wildfire season can already be characterized as a busy year. "We had a very early start in May and several weeks with rather minimal precipitation across the northwest," Marchand told CBC's Up North on Wednesday. "One real concern is how receptive our landscape is becoming to fires caused by lightning — not only are our forest fuels extremely dry, but so is the ground. And then that really makes it easier for lightning fires to get started, for fires in general to burn deeper and require more effort and resources to extinguish." Marchand said firefighters from British Columbia have been lending their support in the region, but one challenge is that "the fires that we're finding are gaining size very fast." "In a lot of situations, air attack has been required with water bombers to really reduce the intensity of these fires when they're initially discovered, to allow crews to get in quickly and to make sure that they don't become larger problems," Marchand said. Though there has been scattered rainfall over the past few days, the region remains dry, said Marchand, which is why it's important for people to continue obeying the rules of the restricted fire zone in place — namely, not lighting campfires, burn barrels or burn piles. Drones have also become an issue since they can hinder aerial operations around wildfires, he added. "The presence of a drone presents a danger to air crews and can result in the cancellation of an air attack mission that is usually being sent to protect lives or property — so please, no drones within nine kilometres of a wildland fire," said Marchand.
CTV News
31-05-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Northern Ontario wildfires force hundreds to evacuate
Amateur video of waterbombers during active aerial suppression operations against the Red Lake 12 fire on May 30, 2025. Hundreds of residents from two First Nations communities in northwest 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. Fire ranger using hose An Ontario fire ranger blasts water from a hose at the perimeter of a forest firest in this undated photo. (Ministry of Natural Resources/Ontario Forest Fires/X) 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. 'I would encourage all residents of Webequie First Nation to be rest assured that we are committed to keeping our residents informed and safe,' Wabasse said in a May 30 news release. 'We will work with partners and government to ensure our needs are met, both in the community and at the evacuation site.' — A statement issued by Cornelius Wabasse, Chief of Webquie First Nation 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 rangers with hose pack Two Ontario fire rangers, one with a hose pack on their back, walk through a forested area recently impacted by wildland fire in this undated photo. (Ministry of Natural Resources/Ontario Forest Fires/X) 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. Sol Mamakwa Sol Mamakwa, Ontario MPP for the riding of Kiiwetinoong, leaves the stage after speaking to supporters at the Ontario NDP Leadership showcase in Toronto on Saturday February 4, 2023. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press) '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 20 - fire An aerial view of smoke from the Kenora 20 wildland fire on May 24, 2025. (Ministry of Natural Resources/Ontario Forest Fires/X) Kenora 14 is being held at 1,607 hectares, while Sioux Lookout 3 and Fort Frances 4 are also under control but still active. Kenora 14 - smoke Smoke rising from Kenora 14 file on May 9, 2025. (Ministry of Natural Resources/Ontario Forest Fires/X) Travel and land use restrictions The MNR has issued Implementation Orders restricting travel, waterway use, and Crown land access in fire-affected zones, including: A complete evacuation order for areas near the Kenora 32 fire. Road closures near Kenora 20 and Kenora 14, with permits required for authorized travel. A closed road with traffic barriers setup by the Ministry of Natural Resouces - undated A closed road with traffic barriers setup by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resouces is shown in this undated photo. (Ministry of Natural Resources/Ontario Forest Fires/X) 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. Twin Otter water bomber An undated photo Twin Otter water bomber aircraft during an active fire surpression operation. (Ministry of Natural Resources/Ontario Forest Fires/X) 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.
