Author Archives: This Media Release

Wildfire destroys Namaygoosisagagun First Nation Community and Homes

July 15, 2026 – Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige shares a statement on the recent wildfire that has devastated Namaygoosisagagun First Nation: “It is with heartfelt sadness that I share that our member First Nation, Namaygoosisagagun First Nation, has been devastated by an unexpected and fast-moving wildfire that advanced toward and through the community, causing extensive damage and ...

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Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Lake) Evacuation Update

Jul 15, 2026 at 16:48 July 15, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. – Fantastic news for KZA Evacuees in so far as some local accommodation here in Thunder Bay has been freed up for KZA registered evacuees members (courtesy of KZA’s advocacy to push for priority placements – given that there is another community which has not yet come in AND ...

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Ontario Forest Fires

We are currently responding to 183 active wildland fires, most of which are in the Northwest Region. We are continuing to see extreme hazard levels, and increased fire activity following recent lighting events, mainly in the Northwest Region. Due to current conditions, the fire situation continues to be dynamic, with volatile and rapidly changing fire behaviour. We encourage those living ...

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Le comité du fonds MAT de Wawa accepte désormais les demandes de financement au titre de la taxe municipale sur l’hébergement (MAT)

Le comité du fonds MAT de Wawa accepte désormais les demandes de financement dans le cadre de la taxe municipale sur l’hébergement (MAT). Le fonds MAT de Wawa constitue une contribution non remboursable destinée à soutenir les projets, événements et initiatives liés au tourisme qui renforcent l’économie touristique locale et dynamisent la communauté. Les recettes de la taxe municipale sur ...

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Wawa MAT Fund Committee Now Accepting Applications for Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Funding

The Wawa MAT Fund Committee is now accepting applications for funding through the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT). The Wawa MAT Fund is a non-repayable contribution to support tourism-related projects, events, and initiatives that strengthen the local visitor economy and enhance community vibrancy. Municipal Accommodation Tax revenues are collected from local motels/hotels and short-term rentals from patrons. The funds collected are ...

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Rainbow Falls Provincial Park – Full Fire Ban in Place

Jul 14, 2026 at 23:28 Effective Wednesday, July 15th at 12:00 AM a Full Fire Ban has been issued for all of Rainbow Falls. This means no open fires are permitted within the park at any time. Fire hazard conditions are monitored daily and fire bans are lifted as soon as conditions improve. Visit our website for up-to-date information: https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/rainbowfalls/alerts ...

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Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (Pic Mobert FN) – Fire Ban

July 14, 2026 By order of the Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg Chief and Council, effective immediately, no outdoor burning is allowed. The region’s Forest Fire Danger Ratingis high. There is one active forest fire East of Netmizaaggamig, WAW014, near Depew River. At the time of this memo, its size is 12.5ha, and the status report is being held. With the lack of ...

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Wabakimi Provincial Park – CLOSED until July 20th

Due to the extreme forest fire conditions in and around Wabakimi Provincial Park and the evacuation orders for our surrounding communities, we are closing the entire park until July 20th, 2026. We will continue to assess the situation as it develops. Please stay safe!

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Northeast Forest Fire Update – July 14

Jul 14, 2026 at 21:54 Updated: July 14, 2026 at 7:15 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) Three wildland fires were confirmed last night after the update was posted: Timmins 19 (TIM019) is 0.8 hectares in size and is being held. This fire is located east of East Shining Tree Lake. Timmins 20 (TIM020) was 0.1 hectares in size and is out. This ...

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Northwest Forest Fire Update – July 14

Jul 14, 2026 at 21:42 Northwest Region Updated: July 13, 2026 at 9:40 p.m.  Central Daylight Time – (Editor’s Note: I’m sure that this is meant to reflect an update date of the 14th) A total of 31 new wildland fires were discovered in the Northwest Region by the evening of July 13. Fort Frances Sector Fort Frances 38 (FOR038) is located ...

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FRZ in place at 00:01 for Most of NW ON & Part of NE ON tonight, July 14th

Due to the high to extreme fire hazard, increased wildland fire activity, the current fire load and to reduce the number of human-caused wildland fires, the Ministry of Natural Resources will be implementing a Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) effective July 15 at 12:01 a.m. local time for the Northwest Region and a small portion of the Northeast Region. The areas impacted ...

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White River FD – No fire risk to Community at this time

Jul 14, 2026 at 21:00 20:35: Please note that the smoke in the air causing the dark orange skies is smoke from west of here. Fires by Armstrong and further. We are still perfectly safe here in White River. Please use caution when travelling, as there is reduced visibility and wildlife is also affected by the smoke. Please check on the ...

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Marathon is currently within a Restricted Fire Zone

The Town of Marathon is currently within a Restricted Fire Zone. No fire permits will be issued or sold until the Restricted Fire Zone has been lifted. This means no open-air burning requiring a permit is permitted during this time. This includes: 🔥 Campfires and recreational fires 🔥 Outdoor fire pits and fireplaces 🔥 Chimineas 🔥 Burning grass, leaves, brush, ...

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City of Thunder Bay – Wildfire Update

12:32: A number of active wildfires throughout the region have resulted in evacuation orders and alerts for several communities. Residents from Armstrong, Whitesand First Nation, and Collins First Nation are currently seeking shelter in Thunder Bay. In addition, residents of Upsala, Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation, and the surrounding area are currently evacuating, while those in the area of ...

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