THUNDER BAY, Ontario: Authorities have issued a new mandatory evacuation order in northwestern Ontario as a rapidly spreading wildfire continues to threaten communities near Lac des Mille Lacs.
The evacuation applies to residents and visitors in the areas surrounding Baril Lake, Bedivere Lake, Windigoostigwan Lake, and Lac des Mille Lacs, where officials have ordered people to leave immediately unless they hold a valid travel permit issued by Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).
The order comes as the Fort Frances 14 wildfire continues to burn out of control. As of Thursday evening, the blaze had expanded to more than 55,000 hectares, making it one of the largest active wildfires in northwestern Ontario.
Emergency officials are closely monitoring the fire’s movement and have urged affected residents to follow evacuation instructions without delay to ensure their safety.
Northwestern Ontario remains under significant wildfire pressure, with hot, dry conditions and strong winds fueling fire activity across the region. Smoke from the fires has also reduced air quality in nearby communities, including Thunder Bay, and contributed to widespread haze across parts of Canada and the United States.
Authorities continue to warn residents to stay informed through official emergency updates as firefighting crews work to contain the growing wildfire.