Wildfires are wreaking havoc across northwestern Ontario, prompting numerous air quality statements. Environment and Climate Change Canada issued these alerts early Monday for over a dozen communities, including several First Nations. Areas affected include Big Trout Lake, Dryden, Fort Frances, Kenora, and many more.

The smoke from these wildfires is expected to move into the region, potentially lingering for several days. The air quality statements warn, "As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities, and events."

Evacuations are ongoing in Deer Lake First Nation and Webequie First Nation due to the proximity of wildfires. Wabaseemoong Independent Nations has been under an evacuation order since mid-May. Chief Cornelius Wabasse of Webequie First Nation declared a state of emergency last Thursday. He noted that the evacuation was delayed due to high demand for aircraft in other affected communities. "There is a shortage of planes and also other resources," Wabasse told CBC News.

The first planes to evacuate vulnerable community members were expected to arrive in Webequie on Monday, transporting them to Barrie, located about an hour north of Toronto. Wabasse expressed concern about the Nipigon 5 wildfire, which is a few kilometers from his community. "The wind has shifted from the south, so it's coming towards the community now," he said.

Wabasse emphasized the need for better emergency preparedness, stating, "There needs to be a lot of awareness of fires that we have in nearby communities and how we react. I think we just need to be prepared for any disasters in our community."

Ontario's Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response, Jill Dunlop, expressed support for the affected communities. "Ontario stands with our northern communities and neighboring provinces as they face the devastating impact of ongoing wildfires," she said in a statement. The Ministry is collaborating with Indigenous leadership and local partners to facilitate evacuation efforts and deliver essential services.

Currently, there are 12 active wildfires in northwestern Ontario, with four significant ones: Red Lake 12, near Deer Lake First Nation, spans over 17,900 hectares; Nipigon 5, near Webequie, covers more than 7,500 hectares and is not under control; Kenora 20, near Ingolf and Wabaseemoong, exceeds 35,000 hectares and is also not under control; and Kenora 14, near Wabaseemoong, is over 1,600 hectares and is being held.

Minister of Natural Resources Mike Harris stated, "The priority of our response is the protection of public safety, including the protection of critical infrastructure and property. Efforts have been concentrated on structure protection and crews will be deployed as conditions allow."

Support is being provided by mutual aid partners through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, with equipment and personnel deployed from British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, and New Brunswick.

A restricted fire zone is in effect for much of the region, prohibiting open-air burning. Evacuees from Deer Lake First Nation are being relocated to Sioux Lookout and the Toronto area, while Webequie First Nation is sending up to 400 community members to Simcoe County. Wabaseemoong members are being accommodated in the Niagara region.

Residents can track the wildfires through the province's interactive fire map, which provides updates on the situation.