Ontario wildfires force evacuations of 12+ communities; Thunder Bay fills hotels as smoke spreads

More than a dozen communities in northwestern Ontario have been evacuated due to wildfires that have forced hundreds of residents into emergency shelters and hotels across the region.

Evacuees from communities including Armstrong, Whitesand First Nation, Namaygoosisagagun First Nation (also known as Collins First Nation) and Gull Bay First Nation are staying in hotels and university residences in Thunder Bay. On Monday, Namaygoosisagagun First Nation burned to the ground, with the entire community destroyed.

Thunder Bay residents are collecting donations of food, clothing and essential supplies at the Superior Inn Hotel and Conference Centre. The Thunder Bay Police Service launched a toy drive Thursday, accepting new or gently-used toys, books and games 24 hours a day at the police station to help displaced children. "These families, we can only imagine what they're going through," said Tracie Smith, director of corporate communications for the TBPS. "The children are staying in unfamiliar places, families are facing uncertainty."

City manager John Collin warned that accommodations are stretched thin. "The reality is, the inn is full. There is not a single hotel room to be found in the city at this point in time." The city is working with the province to become a temporary hub for evacuees being relocated further south to areas with more space. Officials say there are 136 active fires in the northwest region, with 63 out of control, along with another 44 in the northeast. Environment Canada says smoke conditions could temporarily improve Friday in some areas but persist into the weekend in others.