Environment Canada says smoke from growing wildfires in northwestern Ontario is leading to poor air quality in the region.

The weather agency has issued air quality statements for much of the area, including Thunder Bay, saying the smoke is leading to high levels of air pollution and low visibility.

It has also issued heat warnings for areas in the northwest, including Dryden, Ignace and Fort Frances, where temperatures are expected to hit nearly 30 degrees.

The province says there are 110 fires burning in northwestern Ontario, with 17 of those not under control, seven being held, thirteen under control and 73 being monitored.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says the forest-fire hazard is "high" with "fires of concern" in the areas of Kenora, Dryden, Fort Frances, Thunder Bay and Red Lake.

Members of five First Nations in northwestern Ontario have been evacuated due to the threat posed by nearby wildfires.

No new fires have been discovered in northeastern Ontario, keeping the current number of blazes burning at ten.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 3, 2021.