Doug Ford thanks communities for hosting evacuees as wildfires continue to burn across northwestern Ontario.
Doug Ford thanked the communities hosting evacuees on Friday as the province continues to manage a series of wildfires across northwestern Ontario. The province issued a new evacuation order for the area near the Fort Frances 14 fire, which covers over 55,000 hectares. Residents in Baril, Bedivere, and Windigoostigwan lakes, as well as Lac des Mille Lacs, were told to leave immediately unless they hold a travel permit. The provincial government is providing support for displaced residents, including transportation, food, and air purifiers. Doug Ford noted that more than 150 fire crews and 80 aircraft are currently deployed to combat the flames. The province has also requested that the federal government and the Canadian Armed Forces be ready to deploy resources as needed. While some areas face high fire hazards, meteorologists suggest that upcoming showers may help clear the smoke from the atmosphere. Several municipalities, including Thunder Bay, have implemented fire bans and suspended various outdoor services due to the ongoing smoke.