Ford says U.S. politicians criticizing Canadian wildfire response have 'a very short memory'

Ontario's largest fire, Thunder Bay 36, has burned through nearly 319,000 hectares Liam Baker · CBC News · Posted: Jul 18, 2026 PM EDT | Last Updated: 8 hours ago Play article Estimated 5 minutes The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results. S. wildfire threats 'unacceptable' 11 hours ago|Duration Ontario Premier Doug Ford called out U. S. politicians and the Trump administration for issuing threats and criticism of Canada’s handling of wildfires in northern Ontario during the ongoing emergency. He also reminded them of past instances when Canada loaned water bombers to help the U. S. during their own wildfire emergencies and said Canada would be there to help in the future. At a news conference in Thunder Bay on Saturday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford railed against U. S. politicians who’ve criticized Canadian wildfire suppression efforts, adding that many in the current administration have "a very short memory." "I find it a shame the administration in the U. S. and Congress people [are] writing these letters and blaming us," Ford said. "We had the water bombers and everyone going over to California. That's what neighbours do." Across northern Ontario, there are 191 active wildfires as of Saturday afternoon, with 73 still not under control, according to the provincial Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) agency. The province's largest fire, Thunder Bay 36, has burned through nearly 319,000 hectares as of Saturday afternoon. The premier said 155 fire crews and roughly 80 water bombers are currently working to suppress fires in the region. So far, more than a dozen communities have been placed under mandatory evacuation orders, including Namaygoosisagagun First Nation in northwestern Ontario. Namaygoosisagagun, also known as Collins First Nation, completely burned to the ground earlier this week as community members were forced to evacuate on their own. WATCH | Premier Doug Ford urges people to heed evacuation orders: Ford warns people refusing to evacuate are hindering wildfire response 11 hours ago|Duration A new evacuation centre has opened in Thunder Bay for people displaced . Premier Doug Ford warned that people refusing evacuation orders are hindering firefighting efforts. The rapid spread of wildfires has also led to criticism within Ontario from opposition members of the legislature and First Nations leaders, who have called for additional funding for wildfire prevention and suppression. Namaygoosisagagun First Nation "burnt to the ground because of a failure of the province for their monitoring," said Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige. "And further to that, the emergency management arm of the province also ought to be held accountable for this disaster." Supporting, not criticizing neighbours Earlier this week, U.