Here's the latest on the northwestern Ontario forest fires: Monday, July 20
Northwestern Ontario is battling dozens of active wildfires while bracing for severe thunderstorms that could trigger new ignitions. Authorities have reopened some highways but warn that conditions remain volatile due to smoke and potential weather-related closures.
Why it matters
Wildfires pose a significant threat to public safety, infrastructure, and regional air quality, requiring constant monitoring by emergency services.
Of those fires, 46 remain not under control.
The Pan Canadian Aerial Asset Program managed by the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center have sent two Q400 airtankers and a birddog to assist in the region.
However, these wildfires may still be impacted by a severe thunderstorm this afternoon and evening.
Environment Canada issued a yellow severe thunderstorm watch around noon on Monday, spanning from Rainy River to Red Rock, north to Ear Falls and south along the Canada-U.S. border.
Meteorologists are tracking the thunderstorm as it moves eastward across the region at 40 kilometres per hour.
It is capable of producing strong wind gusts of 90 to 110 kilometres per hour, hail of loonie to ping pong ball size and local utility outages.
With precipitation and thunderstorms forecasted for the next few days, Ontario Forest Fires said a large number of lightning strikes have already been observed across the landscape.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in