Northwestern Ontario Wildfires Surge: 139 Active Fires, Largest Spans 318,000 Hectares
A major wildfire crisis is unfolding in northwestern Ontario, with 139 active fires burning as of July 21, and the largest—Thunder Bay 36—spanning over 318,000 hectares and still out of control. Evacuation orders remain in effect.
There were 139 active wildland fires burning in northwestern Ontario as of Tuesday afternoon, according to Ontario Forest Fires. Of those, 45 were listed as not under control, five were being held, eight were under control and the rest were being observed.
The largest wildfire in the region, known as Thunder Bay 36, remains out of control, and spans more than 318,000 hectares. FireRanger crews, helicopters and heavy equipment operators are assigned to suppression efforts," and crews are continuing to make good progress on fires. Evacuation orders and alerts remain in effect for areas near multiple fires, and the situation is evolving rapidly.
What This Means for You
If you are planning to relocate to or visit northern Ontario, monitor air quality and evacuation alerts before travel. Wildfire smoke has previously drifted to major cities and affected air quality across Canada—if you have respiratory concerns or are sensitive to smoke, consider postponing trips to the region or staying indoors during peak smoke days. Keep emergency contacts and evacuation routes ready if you live in affected areas.
Sources
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