City of Thunder Bay Supporting Evacuation Efforts for Kasabonika Lake First Nation

June 29, 2025 – The City of Thunder Bay is supporting emergency evacuation efforts for Kasabonika Lake First Nation due to active wildfires in the region that are impacting air quality, visibility, and community safety.

At the request of emergency management partners, the Thunder Bay International Airport is serving as a hub for evacuation operations, facilitating the movement of approximately 450 community members to Toronto.

The first group of evacuees has now been received in Thunder Bay, with approximately 80 individuals moved through the airport last night. Aircraft will continue to arrive and depart as part of coordinated efforts to move evacuees safely and efficiently.

Current plans include three smaller regional aircraft arriving with evacuees, with transfers to a larger commercial aircraft, with up to 240 passengers expected to move through the airport. However, due to mechanical considerations, this number may be reduced to approximately 120 passengers. Partners are actively working to add capacity to support the original plan where possible.

Additional flights remain planned as part of the ongoing evacuation effort. Operations are dynamic, and flight schedules and passenger volumes may change quickly as conditions evolve. The airport is currently the primary coordination site for arrivals and onward travel.

The City of Thunder Bay is working closely with Kasabonika Lake First Nation leadership, provincial emergency management partners, the Ministry of Natural Resources, airport authorities, and local service providers to support this operation. Conditions on the ground remain consistent with expectations. The City continues to monitor updates from provincial partners as wildfire response efforts progress.

“Thunder Bay plays a critical role in supporting emergency response efforts across the North,” said Mayor Ken Boshcoff. “We are committed to ensuring evacuees are received safely and treated with care and respect as they move through our community. We thank our partners and local service providers who continue to step up in support of this response.”

The City remains prepared to provide additional assistance, including reception, shelter, and transportation support, as needed. Residents may notice increased activity at Thunder Bay International Airport as evacuation efforts continue. The public is asked to avoid the airport unless necessary and to follow direction from airport authorities and emergency personnel.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

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