Ontario requests federal military aid for fire evacuations

The Ontario government formally requested federal assistance on July 16 to expedite evacuations from remote northern communities threatened by escalating wildfires, as hazardous smoke blanketed southern parts of the province and drifted into the northeastern United States. Emergency Preparedness Minister Jill Dunlop issued the request, asking Ottawa to prepare for the rapid deployment of resources, including possible Canadian Armed Forces support, to assist with air evacuations.

Officials said 15 communities in northern Ontario have initiated or are considering evacuations due to the fires. According to provincial data, approximately 180 fires were active in the northeast and northwest regions as of the evening of July 15. The federal government confirmed it is working closely with provincial authorities, with four federal wildfire-fighting helicopters already deployed. Federal Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski stated that Ottawa stands ready to rapidly mobilize additional resources as needed.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said the national wildfire situation has escalated significantly over the past three weeks, particularly in Northwestern Ontario, forcing thousands...