Doug Ford visits Thunder Bay as northern Ontario wildfires force evacuations

Ontario Premier Doug Ford met with evacuees and first responders in Thunder Bay on Saturday as wildfires continued to spread across northern Ontario. Ford said about 300 people, including campers, had been evacuated from fire zones, and he thanked provincial police, local police, firefighters, and paramedics for their response. He also said the province is prioritizing firefighting efforts where they can have the most impact in protecting people and communities. According to the province, there were 191 active wildfires at the time of his remarks, with 73 out of control and 91 being monitored. Communities including Armstrong, Whitesand First Nation, Collins First Nation, and Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation were under evacuation order, while others prepared for possible evacuations. The Canadian Armed Forces also said it would deploy aircraft and personnel to help evacuate Eabametoong First Nation after a request from Ontario. Ford defended the province's spending on wildfire response, saying the government would continue funding the effort as needed. Ontario Natural Resources Minister Mike Harris said the season has been unusually severe and noted that crews were still working in difficult conditions across the province.