For up-to-date information, visit Ontario.ca/forestfires
Ontario’s world-class fire and emergency response crews are actively working alongside partners across the Northwest to respond to fires in the Fort Frances, Thunder Bay, Dryden, Nipigon, and Sioux Lookout fire management zones.
Several hundred highly trained Ontario wildland firefighters are being supported with access to around 120 aircraft that are in the air or ready to deploy, including 80 helicopters and waterbombers.
Our government extends its sincere thanks to all fire crews, pilots, support staff, emergency responders, and municipalities across the province supporting evacuees.
We will not spare a single penny to protect communities and keep people safe. Since 2018, we have invested nearly $1.5 billion in wildland firefighting, more than doubling annual base funding from $70 million to $150 million.
Additionally, we are making a historic investment of nearly $650 million to strengthen Ontario’s fleet of firefighting aircraft and have increased compensation for our heroic frontline staff, including firefighters and pilots.
Ahead of this fire season, we added nearly 70 new permanent fire personnel positions, on top of the 100 positions added last year.
We will continue to dedicate all necessary resources to responding to these fires and keeping people safe.