Author Archives: This Media Release

Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (Pic Mobert FN) – Wildfire Update

July 16, 2026, Issued: 7:10 PM FIRE STATUS – WAWA 17 Wawa 17 remains active and has grown to approximately 25 hectares in size. Throughout the day, MNR has been aggressively attacking the fire with water bombers and has advised that ground crews will continue suppression efforts tomorrow. COMMUNITY THREAT ASSESSMENT At this time, the fire does not pose a ...

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Thunder Bay Resources for Evacuees

We understand that many people have been evacuated from their communities and are now in Thunder Bay, with limited information about the support available here. We also recognize that many residents in Thunder Bay and surrounding areas may be feeling worried, stressed, or overwhelmed by the wildfire situation. This guide provides information on: Wildfire updates and emergency alerts Housing and ...

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Goulais Fire – Total Fire Ban in Effect

The Goulais Fire Department has issued a Total Fire Ban. The Ban has been implemented by the Fire Chief under the Authority of the Office of the Fire Marshall (O.F.M.). Effective Wednesday, July 15th, 2026 the Goulais Fire & Rescue response area including: Goulais River, Searchmont Batchawana Bay Ranger Lake Montreal River This is NOT a Ministry of Natural Resources ...

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LDHC – 75th Anniversary Celebrations

The Lady Dunn Health Centre is excited to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Lady Dunn Hospital this summer! Everyone is warmly invited to join the festivities on July 27th, 2026. The original hospital on the LDHC site, the Lady Dunn Hospital, opened its doors on July 27th, 1951. This facility was funded through the efforts of ...

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Township of Gillies – State of Emergency

Issued on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 9:09 PM EDT by Township of Gillies The active fire located within 1 km of the Township of Gillies border, combined with the extreme fire danger in Northwestern Ontario, could require a response beyond the Township’s capacity and pose a major threat to life and property. Due to these reasons the Township of Gillies ...

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Gull Bay First Nation Update – July 16

July 16th – 9 a.m. update Another day filled with smoky skies here in Thunder Bay, but our hope is that the right conversations are finally occurring at the higher level to assist KZA members in the administration their needs. We continue to work very closely with Loome (evacuation specialists) who is working with the provincial emergency operation centre and ...

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LDHC Code Grey: Lifted

Jul 16, 2026 at 16:10 As of 4 pm today the Lady Dunn Health Centre has lifted the Code Grey. We will continue to monitor air conditions and keep the community updated. Please visit Algoma Public Health for information on protecting your health during periods of poor air quality. Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we work ...

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Sault Ste. Marie – Open-Air Burning Ban

Effective as of immediately, on July 16th, 2026, and until further notice, an Open-Air Burning ban for the municipality of Sault Ste. Marie, ON has been implemented. All Open-Air Burning within the municipality of Sault Ste. Marie is temporarily banned. During this ban, Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services will not be renewing or issuing permits. Any individual burning during the ...

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U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra on the Wildfire Situation in Canada

July 15, 2026 Over 800 wildfires are burning across Canada, with the largest alone rivaling the size of Washington, D.C., sending heavy smoke across the country and into communities on both sides of the border. Canadians living near these fires are already facing hazardous air quality, and that same smoke is now settling over the United States, including my home ...

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Schreiner: Smoky skies should be a massive red alert for Ford

Ontario Greens Leader Mike Schreiner released the following statement in response to worsening wildfires and air quality across the province: “Thank you to first responders, as thousands of people are forced to evacuate their homes and communities. The Ford government can no longer ignore the very real and dangerous impacts of the climate crisis. Highways across the Northwest are shut ...

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Manitouwadge issues Fire Ban

Jul 15, 2026 at 23:38 Out of an abundance of caution Manitouwadge will be under a Municipal fire ban until further notice. NO OPEN AIR BURNING IS PERMITTED. Although we fall outside of the restricted fire zone. We feel implementing a Municipal fire ban is the right choice, for the safety of the residents of Manitouwadge. With MNRF crews hard ...

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Northwest Forest Fire Update – July 15

Jul 15, 2026 at 21:21 Updated: July 15, 2026 at 7:58 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) A total of 8 new wildland fires were discovered in the Northwest Region by the evening of July 15. Sioux Lookout Sector Sioux Lookout 97 (SLK097) is located on an island, on Pashkokogan Lake. The 0.1-hectare fire is not under control. Nipigon Sector Nipigon 57 (NIP057) is located near ...

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Northeast Forest Fire Update – July 15

Jul 15, 2026 at 21:19 Updated: July 15, 2026 at 8:10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) Eight new wildland fires were confirmed in the Northeast Region today. Wawa 17 (WAW017) is a 12 hectare fire and is not under control. It is located approximately 4 kilometers east of White Lake. Wawa 18 (WAW018) is a 0.1 hectare fire and is not under control. ...

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Chiefs of Ontario call for Provincial and Federal to coordinate emergency support

Jul 15, 2026 at 18:22 The Chiefs of Ontario are calling on the federal and provincial governments to immediately provide coordinated emergency support as escalating wildfires threaten First Nations across northern Ontario. As of July 15, First Nations Leadership from the Ontario region have held several meetings to discuss the emerging wildfire crisis in the North. The sessions opened with ...

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Evacuation Alert issued by Dryden, Fort Frances, Atikokan District

An evacuation alert has been issued by Dryden Fort Frances Atikokan District due to the evolving situation and increased fire behaviour of multiple wildland fires including Fort Frances 14, Fort Frances 15 and Fort Frances 38. People residing or utilizing the area near the fires are strongly encouraged to prepare to evacuate on short notice. This includes the following townships: ...

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