THUNDER BAY — The provincial government has issued an Emergency Area Order for all of Northwestern Ontario.
The declaration was made Wednesday in light of the escalating forest fire situation across the region.
An Emergency Area Order gives the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry the authority to take special measures to ensure the safety of people and the protection of property.
As of Tuesday evening, there were 79 active forest fires in Northwestern Ontario, including 30 not under control.
The ministry reported 18 new fires on Tuesday in the Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, Kenora, Dryden, Thunder Bay and Nipigon districts.
Hundreds of residents of three First Nation communities have already been evacuated because of nearby fires.
Greg Rickford, the minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, said in a brief statement that he is monitoring the situation closely, and that his ministry is doing everything it can to protect communities and property.
"Public safety is our first priority, and we will continue to provide all support necessary to protect the health and well-being of those impacted by wildfires," Rickford said.
A Restricted Fire Zone remains in effect across the Northwest.
The forest fire hazard remains high to extreme in the Fort Frances, Dryden, Thunder Bay and southern Nipigon districts.
The Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, Kenora and northern Nipigon districts currently have a mainly low to moderate hazard.
