Ontario Wildfires Force 5 First Nation Evacuations as 129 Blazes Ravage Northwest
Updated
Updated · Global News · Jul 17
Ontario Wildfires Force 5 First Nation Evacuations as 129 Blazes Ravage Northwest
3 articles · Updated · Global News · Jul 17
Summary
Five First Nations and nearby areas — including Armstrong, Whitesand and Lac des Mille Lacs — were ordered to evacuate Thursday as wildfires swept northwestern Ontario, sending thousands from their homes.
129 active fires were burning in the northwest region as of 6 p.m. Thursday, with 62 still not under control, underscoring why residents said smoke and flames closed in rapidly.
Four lodges were completely destroyed, according to resort owner Rylie Isaacs Laforge, while Open Bay Lodge burned down and a crowdfunding appeal for its owners had raised more than $38,000 by Thursday afternoon.
The losses are spreading beyond property damage, with tourism operators warning destroyed resorts could drive away loyal U.S. visitors and hit small northern Ontario communities that depend on that spending.