Ottawa - The federal government in Ottawa announced that it will send support from the Canadian Armed Forces to northern Ontario, in response to the emergency caused by the expansion of wildfires, which forced local authorities to carry out large-scale evacuations of residents in several communities.

This decision came after an official request from the Government of Ontario, which confirmed that the fires were out of control in some remote areas, posing a threat to the lives of residents and infrastructure. The military assistance includes providing logistical support and air evacuation for affected communities, especially those that are not easily accessible by road.

Statement from the Department of Defense

The Canadian Department of National Defense stated in a statement that the armed forces will provide “the necessary capabilities to support disaster relief efforts,” including air transport, supply of provisions, and assistance in managing evacuation sites.

More than 3,000 people evacuated

As of Monday evening, local authorities confirmed that more than 3,000 people had been evacuated from several communities in northern Ontario, including Indigenous areas. Many of them were taken to temporary reception centers in cities such as Thunder Bay and Sudbury.

Warnings of fire expansion

The Ontario Forest Fire Management Agency reported that weather conditions – including high temperatures and dry winds – are complicating suppression efforts and increasing the likelihood of the fires spreading to new areas.

Authorities have urged residents to adhere to evacuation instructions and warned of the dangers of attempting to return to affected areas before officials declare that conditions are stable.