Heat warnings, special air quality statements issued across northwestern Ontario

A number of heat warnings remain in effect for northwestern Ontario, affecting several First Nation communities.

Environment and Climate Change Canada says hot and humid conditions are expected on Thursday, with daytime highs between 29 and 31 C and humidex values near 36 C.

"Smoke from wildfires in the area may inhibit the daytime temperatures from reaching their forecasted maximums in some locations," the warning says.

Communities affected by the warnings include:

• Big Trout Lake — Kasabonika.
• Fort Severn.
• Peawanuck.
• Pikangikum — Poplar Hill — MacDowell.
• Sachigo Lake — Bearskin Lake.
• Sandy Lake — Weagamow Lake — Deer Lake.
• Summer Beaver — Wunnummin Lake — Kingfisher Lake.

Signs of heat exhaustion include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue, Environment and Climate Change Canada says.

People are encouraged to check in on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people multiple times a day while the warnings are in effect.

Additionally, special air quality statements are affecting the same communities facing heat warnings, besides Peawanuck.

"Smoke concentrations from wildfires have lessened this morning. Higher concentrations are expected this afternoon or evening as winds shift to the west moving smoke from Manitoba into the region. Poor air quality due to the wildfire smoke may persist into Friday," Environment and Climate Change Canada says.

Common symptoms include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough.

"People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms," the statement says.

Sandy Lake First Nation flights paused

Meanwhile, as of Thursday morning, all flights returning wildfire evacuees home to Sandy Lake First Nation were put on hold, the First Nation said in an update posted to Facebook.

The repatriation of some 2,000 evacuees from the remote Oji-Cree community began on Friday.

"There are a number of fires near other communities. All aircraft would be needed if there is an evacuation elsewhere. We do not have an estimate of when flights will resume. This will be shared as soon as it is available," the First Nation wrote.

To reduce harm from both heat and smoke, people are encouraged to keep their windows and doors closed as much as possible and to limit outdoor activity.

"When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool," Environment and Climate Change Canada says.

More information can be found on Environment and Climate Change Canada's website.

Wildfire hazards vary across region

There are 48 wildfires in northwestern Ontario at various stages of control, according to the province's interactive forest fire map.

"The wildland fire hazard remains low to moderate through most of the Fort Frances, Dryden and Thunder Bay fire management sectors as well as the southern half of the Nipigon sector. The hazard is high to extreme through the remainder of the region," Ontario Forest Fires says.

When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool.​​​​​- Environment and Climate Change Canada

The region's largest wildfire, Red Lake 12, is now being observed at more than 195,000 hectares large. According to fire information officer Alison Bezubiak, it is officially the largest fire on record in the province in terms of hectares burned. While a 2021 fire known as Kenora 51 was more than 200,000 hectares, it spanned across both Ontario and Manitoba.

Another fire of note, Red Lake 62, remains not under control. The blaze, which was first reported July 2, is located between Nungesser Lake and Woodey Lake along Nungesser Road, and is more than 3,200 hectares large.

"Access to Nungesser Road has been impacted by this fire. Aerial suppression efforts, including CL-415 waterbombers and bucketing helicopters, have been ongoing for several days," Ontario Forest Fires says.

"Suppression efforts by FireRangers, fire engines and heavy equipment are ongoing. An Incident Management Team is inbound to take over command of the fire."

The province reminds residents to obey Ontario's Outdoor Burning Regulations, which remain in place until Oct. 31.