Ontario battles more than 100 wildfires, evacuations ordered and air quality deteriorates

More than 100 wildfires are active in Ontario, and 69 of them are classified as out of control, according to the provincial wildfire dashboard. The fires are concentrated in the northwestern region, affecting communities such as Armstrong, Collins First Nation, Whitesand First Nation, Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation, Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation and others, while Thunder Bay serves as an evacuation hub.

The Ontario Provincial Police said evacuation orders remain in place for Armstrong, Whitesand First Nation, Collins First Nation, Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation and Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation, urging residents to leave immediately. Officials are coordinating with the Ministry of Natural Resources and partner agencies to support emergency response and are warning that additional orders could be issued as conditions evolve.

Smoke from the fires has drifted south, prompting Environment Canada to forecast hazardous air-quality levels for much of southern Ontario through Thursday. A heat dome and northwest winds have pushed smoke closer to the ground, creating orange skies and reduced visibility. "It was almost like a movie set from the Twilight Saga," climatologist David Phillips said, describing the scene.

Health experts advise people to stay indoors, keep windows closed and limit strenuous outdoor activity. Dr. John Granton of Toronto General Hospital recommended using air-conditioning or portable purifiers and, for those who must go outside, wearing properly fitted N95 respirators, though they do not filter all pollutants.

The smoke plume has also crossed the Canada-U.S. border, leading some Americans to comment on social media. Phillips noted that smoke travels both ways and that fires in the United States have previously affected Canadian air quality.

Premier Doug Ford has not issued a statement specifically addressing the wildfire situation, and critics on social media have called for a response.