High, extreme fire hazards remain in northwestern Ontario as wildfires rage on
As ashes were falling from the sky, Laura Fisher says she tried to stay calm as she packed up her family's belongings — for the sake of her son, spouse and three-year-old granddaughter.
Fisher is among hundreds of evacuees from Wabaseemoong, a First Nation in northwestern Ontario placed under an evacuation order last week due to a nearby wildfire.
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The fire, known as Kenora 20, is more than 31,000 hectares large. It's one of four fires of note in the region.
"I was scared. At the same time, I tried to calm myself down for the sake of my kids and myself," said Fisher.
The family is staying in a hotel in Niagara Falls, more than 1,900 kilometres from home. About 800 people from Wabaseemoong are in the southern Ontario city, with smaller numbers in Kenora and Winnipeg.
Kenora 20, seen in this photo from May 12, 2025, is now more than 31,000 hectares large and is considered not under control. (Bill Payne/Ministry of Natural Resources)
Fisher said her family first drove to Kenora to register as evacuees. There, they spent a night at Fisher's daughter's house before travelling west to Winnipeg.
After that, they were told they had to go to Niagara Falls.
"It was tiring," she said. "But we're OK now."
There are 10 active wildfires in northwestern Ontario. Of those, seven are not under control, two are under control and one is being observed.
The four most concerning fires are:
Kenora 20, which is more than 31,000 hectares large.
Kenora 14, which is more than 1,600 hectares large.
Fort Frances 4, which is nearly 3,600 hectares large.
Sioux Lookout 3, which is more than 1,800 hectares large.
"Firefighting personnel from Ontario and British Columbia are working on Kenora 20 and Kenora 14, with crews establishing hose lines, cutting helipads, and establishing values protection around communities," Ontario's Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) said in an update Tuesday night.
There have been 79 wildfires reported in Ontario since the season began on April 1. Meanwhile, there were 65 wildfires reported altogether in the province in 2024.
"It's only mid-May, and to have evacuations during this time is very concerning," said Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa.
"That disruption of the community, that disruption of the family, that disruption of care that happens — we need to be able to have wraparound services for people that are evacuated."
'I'm still praying for the community'
A number of restrictions remain in effect in the region as a result of the wildfires, including a restricted fire zone, travel bans and limits on access to certain lakes and waterways.
Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services said on its website that the fire hazard ranges from low to moderate on the eastern side of the region. However, it said "[t]he western half is observing a high to extreme hazard, with areas of high hazard developing in the Red Lake and Kenora fire management sectors."
"Despite recent precipitation and cooler temperatures, forested areas remain extremely dry."
Laura Fisher and her three-year-old granddaughter, Cady. The family is staying in Niagara Falls, Ont., due to an evacuation order placed in Wabaseemoong last week because of Kenora 20. The wildfire is now more than 31,000 hectares large. (Submitted by Laura Fisher)
Just outside of Thunder Bay, a brush and structure fire was reported late Wednesday afternoon at Twin City Crossroads between Highway 11-17 and Arthur Street.
Thunder City Speedway has cancelled Wednesday night's races as a result.
People can view the province's interactive forest fire map online for more information about wildfires near them.
Meanwhile, in Niagara Falls, Fisher said she and her family are trying to make the most of the situation.
"People are kind over here, welcoming," she said. "I'm still praying for the community."
Thumbnail courtesy of Laura Fisher via CBC.
The story was originally written by Sarah Law and published for CBC News.