The visit came as thousands of residents remain displaced, hundreds of fires continue to burn across the province, and criticism grows over whether Ontario and the federal government responded quickly enough to protect vulnerable communities.
Speaking from Thunder Bay, Ford urged evacuated residents not to return to their homes despite understandable concerns about their properties.
“Do not go back to your homes or campsites. We will make sure you have shelter, food, and the support you need,” the premier said, warning that people returning to evacuation zones could endanger themselves and interfere with aerial firefighting operations.
According to provincial officials, Ontario is now dealing with nearly 200 active wildfires, making this one of the province’s most challenging fire seasons. More than 150 firefighting crews supported by over 80 helicopters and water bombers have been deployed across northern Ontario to battle rapidly spreading fires.
Thousands Forced from Their Homes
The fires have devastated several northern communities, particularly remote First Nations that have experienced fast-moving flames threatening homes and infrastructure.
Reception centres have been established in Thunder Bay and other Ontario communities, while evacuees are being relocated to cities including Toronto and Niagara Falls. Provincial officials say the centres provide accommodation, food, medical care, and registration services for displaced residents.
Thunder Bay has become the primary hub for evacuees, with hotels and emergency shelters accommodating hundreds of people who fled their communities with little warning.
Indigenous Communities Raise Concerns
Even as firefighting efforts continue, questions have emerged about whether enough resources reached remote Indigenous communities in time.
Officials from Whitesand First Nation reported that some residents returned to their evacuated community to help build firebreaks and install sprinkler systems because they feared their homes would otherwise be lost. Emergency managers have since urged residents to remain away from evacuation zones despite those concerns.
Separately, the destruction of Collins (Namaygoosisagagun) First Nation prompted widespread calls for improved emergency preparedness and faster deployment of firefighting resources. Reuters reported that Ontario requested federal assistance, including support from the Canadian Armed Forces, to help evacuate remote communities threatened by advancing fires.
Ontario and Ottawa Under Pressure
The wildfire crisis has intensified debate over the coordination between Queen’s Park and the federal government.
Critics have questioned whether sufficient funding, personnel, and equipment were available as multiple large fires spread simultaneously across northwestern Ontario. Provincial officials acknowledge that wildfire protection teams are being stretched by the number and size of active fires but insist every available resource is being deployed.
The province has formally sought additional federal assistance for evacuations, while Ottawa has pledged to coordinate support as needed.
Smoke Reaches Beyond Ontario
The impact of the fires extends far beyond the burn zones.
Massive smoke plumes have affected air quality across much of Ontario and drifted into parts of the northeastern United States, leading to health advisories and reduced visibility.
During his Thunder Bay visit, Ford also responded to criticism from some American officials regarding cross-border wildfire smoke, noting that Canada has previously assisted the United States during major wildfire emergencies and emphasizing the importance of mutual support between neighbouring countries.
Hope in the Forecast
Fire officials say recent rainfall has slowed the growth of several fires and improved visibility for water bombers. However, they caution that sustained rainfall will be needed before conditions improve significantly, especially since many of the current fires were sparked by lightning storms.
Authorities continue to monitor evacuation alerts affecting numerous northern townships and urge residents to remain prepared in case conditions deteriorate.
Looking Ahead
As firefighters continue working around the clock, attention is shifting toward long-term recovery and whether governments at every level are adequately prepared for increasingly intense wildfire seasons.
For many evacuees, the immediate concern remains whether their homes and communities will still be standing when it is finally safe to return. Meanwhile, the wildfire crisis has become both a humanitarian emergency and a test of Canada’s emergency management systems as provincial and federal authorities face growing scrutiny over their response.