Key facts
- Ontario has requested federal assistance to evacuate residents from northern communities affected by wildfires.
- The province is seeking potential Canadian Armed Forces deployments to support evacuation efforts.
- Smoke from the wildfires has caused poor air quality in Toronto and large parts of the Northeastern U.S.
- As of Thursday, 859 active fires were burning across Canada, with 113 considered out of control.
- Approximately 2.384 million hectares have burned so far this season.
- 1,600 individuals had been evacuated from First Nations communities due to fires this season as of July 15.
Ontario has formally requested federal assistance, including potential Canadian Armed Forces deployments, to aid in the evacuation of residents from northern communities severely impacted by wildfires. The province's minister of emergency preparedness, Jill Dunlop, stated the request was made due to the significant threat of wildland fire activity. Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed the federal government is in close communication with provincial and municipal counterparts and will provide additional assistance as needed.
The wildfire situation has escalated significantly across Canada in recent weeks, particularly in Northwestern Ontario. As of Thursday, 859 active fires were burning nationwide, with 113 deemed out of control, and approximately 2.384 million hectares have been consumed by flames. Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate their homes. Indigenous Services Canada reported that 1,600 individuals had been evacuated from First Nations communities due to fires this season as of July 15.
Canadian National Railway suspended rail operations near Armstrong, over 500 kilometers north of Toronto, as a precautionary measure due to the wildfires, after evacuating employees and residents. Fury Gold Mines also temporarily suspended exploration and drilling at its project in northern Quebec after evacuating all personnel due to a nearby forest fire.