Ontario battles dozens of wildfires, requests federal assistance

Ontario is contending with roughly 135 active wildfires in its northwestern region, with additional blazes reported late Wednesday, according to the province's Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services. The fires are concentrated around Thunder Bay and have spread to communities such as Fort Frances, Dryden, Nipigon and Sioux Lookout.

Fifteen rural communities, including several First Nations reserves, have been evacuated, and air evacuation efforts are underway for the fly-in settlements. Two groups of Minnesota Y.M.C.A. campers were rescued by aircraft on Wednesday, the state's governor said.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said more than 150 fire crews and nearly 50 firefighting aircraft are operating continuously. Crews from Alberta and Yukon have also been dispatched.

Minister for Emergency Preparedness Jill Dunlop said she has formally asked the federal government to be ready to assist, potentially deploying Canadian soldiers and providing rapid air-evacuation support. > "The situation is evolving and impacts to communities may continue to escalate rapidly," she wrote in a letter shared on social media.

Air quality warnings have been issued across the province and in Toronto, where residents are advised to stay indoors and some outdoor facilities have closed. Environment Canada rated the air-quality danger level as 10+, or "very high risk," but expects conditions to improve by evening.