Wildfire tally grows to 191 in northern Ontario

Key Points:

• Northern Ontario is battling 191 active wildfires as of Saturday morning, with seven new fires confirmed in the northwestern region, bringing that area's total to 132 fires.
• The largest fire, Fort Frances 14, covers over 55,000 hectares and remains uncontrolled, prompting evacuation orders for nearby communities including Baril, Bedivere, and Windigoostigwan lakes and Lac des Mille Lacs.
• Over 155 fire crews and more than 80 aircraft are engaged in suppression efforts, with additional support arriving from Alberta, Yukon, and offered by Massachusetts, focusing on protecting communities and maximizing fire control.
• Numerous communities and regions have been evacuated or are under evacuation alerts, including several First Nations and towns such as Armstrong, Whitesand, and Namaygoosisagagun, with air quality warnings issued across a wide area.
• The ongoing wildfires have led to widespread closures and cancellations in Thunder Bay and surrounding areas, including outdoor pools, golf courses, public events, and health services, while evacuation centers have been established to support displaced residents.