After weeks of battling uncontrollable wildfires near Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek, Chief Wilfred King expresses concern about the premature return of community members. The First Nation, also known as Gull Bay, has been in a state of emergency since mid-July, with around 200 adults still displaced in Thunder Bay.
Situated off Highway 527, which has been shut down between Thunder Bay and Armstrong due to wildfire threats, the community faces uncertainties as temperatures cool down and fire risks diminish in the region. Chief King fears that the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) in Ontario might relax safety measures aimed at safeguarding communities.
In the vicinity of Gull Bay First Nation, Thunder Bay 36, the largest wildfire in the province spanning over 306,000 hectares, continues to rage. To the southwest lie wildfires Dryden 34 (over 46,000 hectares), Dryden 35 (over 31,500 hectares), and Thunder Bay 56 (nearly 8,000 hectares) forming the Rinker Lake Complex.
A significant firefighting effort is underway at the Rinker Lake Complex, involving 16 wildland firefighting crews from Ontario and Alberta, two 20-person crews from Mexico, heavy equipment operators, pilots, overhead staff from Ontario and Québec, and an Incident Management Team.
Forest fire hazards have decreased in most of the northwest as of Tuesday, with some areas still experiencing moderate to high risks near the Ontario-Manitoba border. Chief King stresses the importance of caution and patience among community members eager to return home, emphasizing the need to avoid a situation where evacuations may be required again.
Calls for a public inquiry into Ontario’s wildfire response have been reiterated by First Nation chiefs, including Chief King, following the devastating loss experienced by Namaygoosisagagun First Nation and Whitewater Lake First Nation. The Office of the Auditor General of Ontario is conducting a Wildland Fire Management performance audit to assess the Ministry of Natural Resources’ wildfire management processes.
Despite the current decrease in forest fire danger ratings, Chief King reminds everyone that the fire season is only halfway through, urging continued vigilance.