First Nations Slam Ontario's Lack of Commitment to Publicly Review Wildfire Response

This First Nation in Ontario cautions against premature optimism over wildfire threats

As out-of-control wildfires continue to burn near Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek, Chief Wilfred King says he’s worried about community members returning home prematurely. Also known as Gull Bay, the First Nation has been under a state of emergency since mid-July. However, as temperatures have dropped and forest fire hazards have lowered across the region, King worries that Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) may ease restrictions put in place to protect communities.

First Nations slam Ontario's lack of commitment to publicly review wildfire response

First Nations leaders say the province failed to warn them of several fast-moving fires, which destroyed two communities, and that communication with the province have been poor to non-existent

Gull Bay First Nation calls on Ontario to extend wildfire evacuation order

Chief and council from Gull Bay First Nation are calling on Ontario to keep with its implementation and evacuation orders after the province claimed wildfires in the area have improved. The First Nation, also known as Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (KZA), is located approximately 180 kilometres north of Thunder Bay and has been under both orders since July 13. Approximately 200 people have evacuated the community as of Monday, according to Chief W…