Premier Ford meets with wildfire evacuees in Thunder Bay as Ontario battles nearly 200 fires
Ontario's response to the crisis faces scrutiny over funding levels and evacuation coordination at First Nations communities.
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Premier Doug Ford visited Thunder Bay on Saturday, July 18 to meet with wildfire evacuation coordinators, first responders, and families displaced by fires raging across northwestern Ontario.
Nearly 200 wildfires are blazing across the province, already scorching more land than all of last year's fires combined and sending hazardous smoke across Ontario and into the United States. Ford has said more than 150 fire crews and over 80 water bombers and helicopters are battling the blazes, and that the province would spare no expense keeping people safe.
Multiple northern communities have already been evacuated or are preparing for possible evacuations. Members of Whitesand First Nation and Collins First Nation (also known as Namaygoosisagagun First Nation) fled approaching wildfires without provincial help and are sheltering in Thunder Bay hotels.
Ford's visit comes as the province faces criticism over the level of funding and resources allocated for wildfire response. Natural Resources Minister Mike Harris faced additional scrutiny for the ministry's handling of evacuations at the two First Nation communities.
By the numbers
How many wildfires were burning across Ontario when Premier Ford visited Thunder Bay?
Nearly 200 wildfires were blazing across Ontario on July 18, 2026, when Premier Ford visited Thunder Bay.
How many fire crews and aircraft did Ontario deploy to fight the wildfires?
Ontario deployed more than 150 fire crews and over 80 water bombers and helicopters to battle the blazes across the province.
Which First Nations communities evacuated to Thunder Bay due to the wildfires?
Members of Whitesand First Nation and Collins First Nation (also known as Namaygoosisagagun First Nation) evacuated to Thunder Bay and sheltered in hotels after fleeing approaching wildfires without provincial help.
