Important Notice to the Residents of Ignace - July 22,2026 8:59 pm

Please be advised the Implementation Order issued for Dryden Fire 036 Is not directed at the Township of Ignace.

The Township is NOT UNDER EVACUTION!

The Implementation Order was issued for a small area close to the Fire known as Dryden 036 to ensure public safety and/or to ensure effective fire suppression.

The public is ordered to stay away from all Forest Fire areas including Dryden 036, 18km South West of Ignace.

Please keep off back roads leading towards fire suppression areas, to allow MNR to work.

Township of Ignace

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PUBLIC UPDATE Re: Forest fire southwest of Ignace

Ignace Emergency Communications - Dryden 36 Forest Fire - 2026-07-20-AM

ISSUED MONDAY, JULY 20, 2026 @ 11:40 a.m.

MNR reassures the public that Ignace is no longer at risk of evacuation from the Dryden 36 fire.

The emergency group will no longer meet daily, as the situation has calmed. Updates will be issued if the situation changes.

· Good news! MNR reports that although surface flames may no longer be visible, the Dryden 36 fire southwest of Ignace may still be smouldering, and fire crews will remain on site for the next couple of weeks to keep pumping water, monitor the area for hot spots, and prevent restarts.

· The fire zone remains approximately 18 km away from town at its closest point. It has not expanded since being mapped last Wednesday and has natural water boundaries and pinch points.

· MNR reassures the public that Ignace is NOT at risk of evacuation and is confident that the Dryden 36 fire will not spread closer to town.

· The threat of forest fire is now reduced to Moderate in the Ignace area. The Emergency Response Group will not meet again unless the situation changes. Watch the official Township of Ignace Facebook page for updates.

· There has been some confusion online because the MNR District is called “Thunder Bay – Ignace,” but the town of Ignace is NOT being evacuated. Ignace is not directly affected or at risk from the Fort Frances 14 fire south of Upsala and Lac De Mille Lacs, nor from the Dryden 34 and 35 fires up near Armstrong.

· See official MNR maps and announcements online for the most current information—do not rely on screenshots shared on Facebook. (Also, if sharing information on Facebook, please share the POST, not a screenshot. Posts can be updated or removed if they no longer apply, but outdated screenshots create confusion and spread misinformation.)

Fire Site Update

· The map of the Dryden 36 fire was updated over the weekend and the size was reported on the Ontario Forest Fire Info Map online as 1855 ha, mostly confined by water bodies. Several small lakes seem to be included in the revised area calculation, but the perimeter has not grown, and firefighters are controlling the spread. Exposed mineral soil is helping to create a fire break.

· The fire site received about 4 mm of rain overnight. The wind is blowing from the southwest and may gust to 60 km/h through the day, but fire crews have used heavy equipment to create a fire break to cap the spread at the north perimeter, above Upper Moosehide Lake. Work will continue on the north side of Lower Moosehide Lake.

· MNR is continuing a response with dedicated firefighters and two helicopters.

· MNR has 12 pieces of heavy equipment on site, and HydroOne repaired power lines over the weekend. About 20 Alberta firefighters arrived Friday afternoon, and MNR expects active fire suppression to continue for the next couple of weeks, until the fire is officially declared out.

· THE PUBLIC IS REMINDED TO STAY OFF BACK ROADS AND STAY AWAY FROM THE FIRE! Water bombers will not drop water if any people or vehicles are visible from the sky. Some roads may be officially closed by MNR and the OPP.

· We are expecting favourable weather conditions to continue, with a 60% chance of rain or thunderstorms today and more precipitation in the forecast every day this week.

· Ignace may be smoky from the fire south of Upsala. To help with air quality in your home, stay inside, keep windows closed, run air filters if you have them, and contact Mary Berglund Health Centre if you require filtration masks to help with breathing.

· White Otter Castle is not threatened by the fire at this time and is approximately 7.5 km southwest of the southern edge of the burn.

· The smaller Dryden 37 fire east of Ignace on the north side of Hwy. 17 toward Raven Lake appears extinguished.

Fire Ban & Emergency Preparedness

· Mayor Baigrie declared a FIRE BAN IN IGNACE on Monday, July 13 at 9:42 p.m. Do not light any campfires or bonfires until further notice.

· There is no imminent threat of evacuation, but residents are reminded to be prepared with wallet, ID, important documents, medications, etc. packed and ready to go in case of emergency.

· DO NOT CALL 911 for updates about the fire. Watch the Township Facebook page and website or call Ontario 211.

Register for the Emergency Transportation list

· In the event of an evacuation in the future, the Township of Ignace has made arrangements for bus transportation for people in need.

· The Township is also making arrangements for the safe transportation of pets, and Northern Critters in Need has approximately 60 crates available.

· If you do not have transportation, please call the Township office at (807) 934-2202 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register on the list, so we can be prepared in case evacuation is needed in the future. Please include the names of each member of your household requiring bus transportation, along with your street address and telephone number. Please let us know if any member of your household is a senior citizen, an infant, has mobility concerns, or has breathing issues. Please also let us know about your pets.

· If you require medical assistance that would affect your emergency transportation, please contact the Mary Berglund Health Centre at (807) 934-2251 to discuss your condition. In the event of an evacuation, the health centre will coordinate emergency medical transportation with Northwest EMS.

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UPDATE: Sunday, July 19, 2026

MNR confirms that the Dryden 036 Fire had no growth overnight, and that hydro should have work completed to infrastructure and will be
moving out of the area later today.

Township of Ignace

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NOTICE: UPDATE Saturday, July 18, 2026.

MNR Reports that the line construction and suppression is going well on the Dryden 36 Fire.

There are no changes from Friday's public update!

Ignace is NOT at immediate risk of evacution, with the fire being held 18km SW of town.

**RESIDENTS those visiting the area are reminded to stay off back roads and lakes South of town so

that water  bombers and helicopters can continue active suppression. They will not drop water if people or vehicles are visible.

*Please continue to watch for updates. If anything changes , will let you know!

Township of Ignace - July 18, 2026@ 3:00 PM

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PLEASE NOTE:

The Township and the Ignace Emergency Response Group are still active and receive daily updates on the Dryden 036 Fire. An update will be provided as information comes forward to the community from the Ministry of Natural Resources.
The Ignace Emergency Response Group will meet in person Monday, July 20, 2026 at 10am CST.

Township of Ignace: July 17, 2026 @ 5:03 PM CST

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PUBLIC UPDATE Re: Forest fire southwest of Ignace

Ignace Emergency Communications - Dryden 36 Forest Fire - 2026-07-17-AM

ISSUED FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2026 @ 11:50 a.m.

MNR reassures the public that Ignace is NOT at risk of evacuation.

Updates will now be issued only if the situation changes.

• There are two forest fires still burning southwest of Ignace: Dryden 28 on the south side of Nora Lake and Dryden 36 on the north side of Nora Lake. The Dryden 36 fire remains approximately 18 km away from town at its closest point. It has not expanded since being mapped on Wednesday and has natural water boundaries and pinch points.
• There has been some confusion online because the MNR District is called “Thunder Bay – Ignace,” but the town of Ignace is NOT being evacuated. Ignace is not directly affected or at risk from the Fort Frances 14 fire south of Upsala and Lac De Mille Lacs. See official MNR maps and announcements online for the most current information—do not rely on screenshots shared on Facebook. (Also, if sharing information on Facebook, please share the POST, not a screenshot. Posts can be updated or removed if they no longer apply, but outdated screenshots create confusion and spread misinformation.)
• MNR reassures the public that Ignace is NOT at risk of evacuation and is confident that the Dryden 36 fire will not spread closer to town. If Ignace needed to evacuate, the fire department would drive up and down the streets with sirens and loudspeakers to inform residents to register at a command centre, to help keep track of people before they leave town.
• The threat of forest fire is now reduced in the Ignace area. The Emergency Response Group will meet again Monday at 10:00 a.m. unless the situation changes over the weekend. Watch the official Township of Ignace Facebook page for updates, but assume no news is good news.

Fire Site Update

• The Dryden 36 fire is approximately 1762 ha and is mostly confined by water bodies. It has not grown in the past two days, and firefighters are controlling the perimeter. Exposed mineral soil is helping to create a fire break.
• The fire site received about 3 mm of rain overnight. A light wind is blowing from the southwest, but fire crews have used heavy equipment to create a fire break to cap the spread at the north perimeter, above Upper Moosehide Lake. Work will continue on the north side of Lower Moosehide Lake.
• MNR is continuing an aggressive response by dedicated firefighters, with three helicopters and two heavy water bombers. Expect frequent air traffic to continue over Ignace this weekend.
• MNR has 12 pieces of heavy equipment on site, and HydroOne has a crew of about 30 people repairing power lines. About 20 Alberta firefighters will be arriving Friday afternoon, and MNR expects approximately 100 people in total on the ground by Saturday for active fire suppression.
• THE PUBLIC IS REMINDED TO STAY OFF BACK ROADS AND STAY AWAY FROM THE FIRE! Water bombers will not drop water if any people or vehicles are visible from the sky. Some roads may be officially closed by MNR and the OPP.
• Ignace is smoky from the fire south of Upsala. To help with air quality in your home, stay inside, keep windows closed, run air filters if you have them, and contact Mary Berglund Health Centre if you require filtration masks to help with breathing.
• We are expecting favourable weather conditions to continue, with a 40% chance of rain or thunderstorms tonight and more precipitation in the forecast for Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week.
• White Otter Castle is not threatened by the fire at this time and is approximately 7.5 km southwest of the southern edge of the burn.
• The smaller Dryden 37 fire east of Ignace on the north side of Hwy. 17 toward Raven Lake appears extinguished.

Fire Ban & Emergency Preparedness

• Mayor Baigrie declared a FIRE BAN IN IGNACE on Monday, July 13 at 9:42 p.m. Do not light any campfires or bonfires until further notice.
• There is no imminent threat of evacuation, but residents are reminded to be prepared with wallet, ID, important documents, medications, etc. packed and ready to go in case of emergency.
• DO NOT CALL 911 for updates about the fire. Watch the Township Facebook page and website or call Ontario 211.

Register for the Emergency Transportation list

• In the event of an evacuation in the future, the Township of Ignace has made arrangements for bus transportation for people in need.
• The Township is also making arrangements for the safe transportation of pets, and Northern Critters in Need has approximately 60 crates available.
• If you do not have transportation, please call the Township office at (807) 934-2202 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register on the list, so we can be prepared in case evacuation is needed in the future. Please include the names of each member of your household requiring bus transportation, along with your street address and telephone number. Please let us know if any member of your household is a senior citizen, an infant, has mobility concerns, or has breathing issues. Please also let us know about your pets.
• If you require medical assistance that would affect your emergency transportation, please contact the Mary Berglund Health Centre at (807) 934-2251 to discuss your condition. In the event of an evacuation, the health centre will coordinate emergency medical transportation with Northwest EMS.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE: JULY 17, 2026 @ 8:35 am

The Township of Ignace NOT UNDER EVACUATION. The Township along with the Emergency Response Group (IGNACE),

continue to meet to recieve updates and direction during the Dryden 036 Fire situation.

Please refer to our webpage and "Corporation of the Township of Ignace" Facebook Page Facebook for updated information. 

Township of Ignace

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PUBLIC UPDATE: July 16, 2026

PUBLIC UPDATE Re: Forest fire southwest of Ignace
ISSUED THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026 @ 11:30 a.m.
Ignace Emergency Communications - Dryden 36 Forest Fire - 2026-07-16-AM

2026 07 16 Dryden 036 Ariel Fire Map

 There are two forest fires still burning southwest of Ignace: Dryden 28 on the
south side of Nora Lake and Dryden 36 on the north side of Nora Lake. The
Dryden 36 fire remains approximately 18 km away from town at its closest
point. It has not expanded since being mapped yesterday evening.

 MNR is continuing an aggressive response by dedicated firefighters, with three
helicopters and two heavy water bombers. Expect frequent air traffic over
Ignace today.

 As of Wednesday, the Dryden 36 fire is approximately 1762 ha and is mostly
confined by water bodies. It has not grown overnight, and firefighters are
controlling the perimeter. Exposed mineral soil is helping to create a fire break.

 Emergency equipment is being deployed to the site. MNR has eight pieces of
heavy equipment, two crews, and a HydroOne crew heading out to repair
transmission lines. Alberta firefighters will be arriving Friday, and MNR expects
approximately 55 people in total on the ground by Friday afternoon for active fire
suppression.

 THE PUBLIC IS REMINDED TO STAY OFF BACK ROADS AND STAY AWAY FROM
THE FIRE! Water bombers will not drop water if any people or vehicles are visible
from the sky. Some roads may be officially closed by MNR and the OPP.

 Winds are from the southeast today, blowing smoke from this fire toward
Borup’s Corners. Ignace is smoky from the fire south of Upsala. To help with air
quality in your home, stay inside, keep windows closed, run air filters if you
have them, and contact Mary Berglund Health Centre if you require filtration
masks to help with breathing.

 We are expecting favourable weather conditions for the next few days, with a
40% chance of rain or thunderstorms tonight and the chance of more
precipitation Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

 The smaller Dryden 37 fire east of Ignace on the north side of Hwy. 17 toward
Raven Lake appears extinguished as of last night. One fire crew was on site this
morning for a final patrol, and it may be called out today.

The Emergency Response Group will meet again Friday at 10:00 a.m. Watch for
updates.

 Mayor Baigrie declared a FIRE BAN IN IGNACE on Monday, July 13 at 9:42 p.m.

 THERE IS NO IMMINENT THREAT OF EVACUATION, but residents are
reminded to be prepared with wallet, ID, important documents, medications,
etc. packed and ready to go in case of emergency.

 In case evacuation is required, the primary route would be west to Dryden, as
there is another forest fire and dense smoke near Upsala.

 DO NOT CALL 911 for updates about the fire. Watch the Township Facebook
page and website or call Ontario 211.

 NEW! White Otter Castle is not threatened by the fire at this time and is
approximately 7.55 km southwest of the southern edge of the burn, as the crow
flies. It is surrounded by water bodies that help provide a fire barrier.
Register for the Emergency Transportation list

 In the event of an evacuation in the future, the Township of Ignace has made
arrangements for bus transportation for people in need.

 NEW! The Township is also making arrangements for the safe transportation of
pets, and Northern Critters in Need has approximately 60 crates available.

 If you do not have transportation, please call the Township office at (807)
934-2202 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register on the list, so we can be
prepared in case evacuation is needed in the future. Please include the
names of each member of your household requiring bus transportation, along
with your street address and telephone number. Please let us know if any
member of your household is a senior citizen, an infant, has mobility concerns,
or has breathing issues. Please also let us know about your pets.

 If you require medical assistance that would affect your emergency
transportation, please contact the Mary Berglund Health Centre at (807)
934-2251 to discuss your condition. In the event of an evacuation, the health
centre will coordinate emergency medical transportation with Northwest EMS.

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Ignace Emergency Transportation List: July 15, 2026

Ignace Emergency Transportation List Registration Form 2026

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PUBLIC UPDATE: July 15, 2026 @ 11:50 AM CST

PUBLIC UPDATE Re: Forest fire southwest of Ignace
ISSUED WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2026 @ 11:50 a.m.

Ignace Emergency Communications - Dryden 36 Forest Fire - 2026-07-15-AM

 There are two forest fires still burning southwest of Ignace: Dryden 28 on the south side
of Nora Lake and Dryden 36 on the north side of Nora Lake. The Dryden 36 fire has
expanded to the southeast but remains approximately 18 km away from town at
its closest point.

 MNR is continuing an aggressive response by dedicated firefighters, with three
helicopters and two heavy water bombers. Expect frequent air traffic over Ignace
today.

 The Dryden 36 fire has doubled in size overnight and is now approximately 600 ha, but
is spreading away from Ignace toward the southeast. Plumes were visible over Agimak
Lake from burning slash piles, but the exposed mineral soil is helping to create a fire
break. We expect an updated perimeter map from MNR around 2:00 p.m.

 Emergency equipment will be staged in Ignace and deployed to the site. MNR is
expecting bunchers, skidders, excavators and dosers, along with crew support from
companies with assets in the area.

 Resources have begun to arrive from out of province and will assist fighting fires across
Northwestern Ontario as needed.

 THE PUBLIC IS REMINDED TO STAY OFF BACK ROADS AND STAY AWAY FROM THE
FIRE! Water bombers will not drop water if any people or vehicles are visible from the
sky. Some roads may be officially closed by MNR and the OPP.

 We are expecting favourable weather conditions for the next few days. The winds
continue blowing the fire away from Ignace, and precipitation is in the forecast for
Thursday and Friday. MNR does not expect this fire to move closer to Ignace.

 A smaller fire, Dryden 39, started east of Ignace on the north side of Hwy. 17 yesterday.
It was approximately 2 ha and fire crews remain on site today. Even if it looks like it’s
out, fire crews will continue to pump water onto the area so it does not restart from
smoldering embers.

 The Emergency Response Group will meet again Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Watch for
updates.

Mayor Baigrie declared a FIRE BAN IN IGNACE on Monday, July 13 at 9:42 p.m.

 THERE IS NO IMMINENT THREAT OF EVACUATION, but residents are reminded to
be prepared with wallet, ID, important documents, medications, etc. packed and
ready to go in case of emergency.

 In case evacuation is required, the primary route would be west to Dryden, as there is
another forest fire and dense smoke near Upsala.

 DO NOT CALL 911 for updates about the fire. Watch the Township Facebook page
and website or call Ontario 211.

NEW! Register for the Emergency Transportation list

 In the event of an evacuation in the future, the Township of Ignace has made
arrangements for bus transportation for people in need.

 If you do not have transportation, please call the Township office at (807) 934-2202
or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register on the list, so we can be prepared in case
evacuation is needed in the future. Please include the names of each member of
your household requiring bus transportation, along with your street address and
telephone number. Please let us know if any member of your household is a senior
citizen, an infant, has mobility concerns, or has breathing issues.

 If you require medical assistance that would affect your emergency
transportation, please contact the Mary Berglund Health Centre at (807) 934-2251
to discuss your condition. In the event of an evacuation, the health centre will
coordinate emergency medical transportation with Northwest EMS.

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PUBLIC UPDATE: JULY 14, 2026 @ 6:55 PM CST

PUBLIC UPDATE Re: Forest fire southwest of Ignace
ISSUED TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2026 @ 6:55 p.m.

 There are two forest fires still burning southwest of Ignace: Dryden 28 on the south side of
Nora Lake and Dryden 36 on the north side of Nora Lake, approximately 18 km away from town
at its closest point.

 MNR reports that there was an aggressive response by dedicated firefighters with good fire
response today.

 Dryden 36 on the north side of Nora Lake is approximately 300 ha and has now spread east of
the power line. Plumes were visible from burning slash piles, but the exposed mineral soil
from the cut line is creating a fire break.

 MNR has two helicopters, a water bomber, and three fire crews on the ground. Emergency
equipment will be staged in Ignace and deployed to the site.
 Resources have begun to arrive from out of province and will assist fighting fires across
Northwestern Ontario as needed.

 THE PUBLIC IS REMINDED TO STAY OFF BACK ROADS AND STAY AWAY FROM THE FIRE!
Water bombers will not drop water if any people or vehicles are visible from the sky

.
 We are expecting favourable weather conditions. The winds are blowing the fire away from
Ignace, and precipitation is in the forecast for Thursday and Friday.

 A smaller fire, Dryden 39, started east of Ignace on the north side of Hwy. 17 this afternoon. It
is approximately 2 ha and fire crews are trying to extinguish it before it spreads. Two crews
were on site today, but are expected to be deployed back to the Dryden 36 site on Wednesday.

Ignace_Emergency_Communications_-_Dryden_36_Forest_Fire_-_2026-07-14-PM

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Ignace Emergency Communications - Dryden 36 Forest Fire - 2026-07-14

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UPDATE: JULY 14, 2026
Please continue to have YOUR MAKE A PLAN ready.
Residents are advised to NOT travel on back roads during this time as it could hinder Fire Operations.
A detailed report will be issued later today.
All Residents are notified to follow the MAKE A PLAN listed Below on this notice.
Township of Ignace - 10:54 am July 14, 2026.

*An Update will be provided later this morning. Stay Tuned (July 14, 2026)

There is a fire burning southwest of Ignace. MNR has resources on it, but Please prepare in case you need to evacuate. Include your wallet, ID, medications and essential items.

Please Stay Calm and watch for updates!

Steps to follow:

• If ordered to evacuate, take your emergency kit, wallets, personal identification for each family member and copies of essential family documents, cell phones and chargers.
• Shut off water and electricity if officials tell you to do so.
• Use travel routes specified by local authorities.
• Leave natural gas service on unless officials tell you to turn it off. It can take the gas company weeks to reconnect it in a major emergency.
• Take pets with you and lock doors.
• Contact your out-of-town contact(s).
• Check in at designated reception centre, as directed by local authorities.
• Even if you do not require reception centre assistance, registering allows local authorities to connect you with important information and supports later on.
• Call 2-1-1 for information regarding emergency updates and local services.

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