Thunder Bay / Kenora Region – August 15, 2026 – About 829 people remain displaced by wildfires across northwestern Ontario, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response.
Roughly 2,000 evacuees have been able to return home since the mid-July surge in fire activity. Fourteen communities were evacuated at various points; six have fully returned and others are in the process of repatriation.
There are currently around 140 active wildfires in Ontario, the majority in the northwest. Eleven remain not under control. The large Rinker Complex (including Thunder Bay 36) continues to be one of the most significant operations, with evacuation orders still in place for affected areas.
Highway closures persist in some locations, including sections of Highway 527 and Highway 811. Fire crews continue suppression efforts under mixed hazard conditions.
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