Weather, Closures, Forest Fires

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Jul 16, 2026 at 16:45 July 16, 3:25 p.m. EDT: The following highways are still fully closed in both directions, with the exception of some local traffic evacuating the area: Highway 599 – between Highway 516 and Mishkeegogamang First Nation Highway 527 – at Gull Bay First Nation The OPP is also advising drivers in the area to exercise caution, ...

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 ...

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 ...

Chief Michano of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg is coordinating the collection of various items to help the residents of Namaygoosisagagun (Collins FN) which was destroyed by a fast moving forest fire Monday night. Donations are being accepted today, Thursday, July 16th from 10-4 at Bud & Cando’s Gas Bar in Biigtigong (18 Pic River Rd., Marathon). Chief Michano of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg is ...

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 ...

You can’t mistake the scent of smoke in the air again today. The air quality in Wawa, in fact, a purple ribbon stretches from Thunder Bay through to the Sault and is heading to Southern Ontario. The shades of purple contain fine particulate values (PM2.5) from 100 to 500 representing the main health risk from wildfire smoke. We are currently under ...

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 ...

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 ...

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. ...

Jul 15, 2026 at 19:09 18:53 – One lane is now open. Please drive with care in that area. Jul 15, 2026 at 15:30 15:18 – Highway 17 is closed from Marathon to Terrace Bay due to a collision. Injuries are being assessed. Marathon OPP is advising motorists to plan alternate routes, and expect delays. (Ontario Provincial Police – North ...

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 ...