THUNDER BAY – NEWS – On May 21, 2025, a 5-hectare forest fire near the approach path of Runway 07 at Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) triggered a swift and coordinated emergency response. The Thunder Bay International Airports Authority Inc. (TBIAAI) activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to address the developing threat and maintain safe operations.
Despite the potential risk to incoming aircraft, airport operations continued with minimal disruption, thanks to quick action and interagency collaboration.
Safety Measures Immediately Enacted
The forest fire’s proximity to Runway 07 prompted the temporary suspension of arrivals to that runway for approximately two hours. A NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) was issued to notify all air traffic of the situation. During this time, Runway 12/30 remained fully operational, and all inbound flights were successfully rerouted, ensuring the continuity of air traffic without significant delays.
“Our highest priority is the safety of aircraft, passengers, and airport personnel,” said TBIAAI officials. “Thanks to a rapid and coordinated response, we were able to mitigate risk and maintain safe operations.”
Firefighting Response: Local and Provincial Crews Mobilized
Municipal fire crews and wildfire response teams quickly responded to the blaze, joined by aerial firefighting assets from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNR). Aircraft dispatched from Dryden Airport conducted strategic waterbombing runs that were instrumental in bringing the fire under control.
The EOC worked closely with NAV CANADA and aviation partners to track wind direction, smoke dispersion, and aircraft movement in real time. Forest fire smoke is a major hazard to aviation, as it can reduce visibility and impair engine performance. Ongoing coordination ensured risks were closely monitored and contained.
Seamless Interagency Coordination Praised
The Thunder Bay International Airport Authority commended the seamless coordination between airport operations, municipal fire services, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and air traffic control. The joint response allowed for safe, continuous operations even as crews worked on the front lines to extinguish the fire.
“We are proud of how our teams and partners came together to manage this event with precision and professionalism,” the airport stated.
🌫️ Aviation and Wildfire Safety
As wildfire season continues across Northwestern Ontario, this incident is a reminder of the challenges wildfires pose to critical infrastructure and public safety—especially at transportation hubs like airports. Smoke near active runways can have serious implications for visibility, flight paths, and emergency response timelines.
Travelers are encouraged to stay up to date on travel advisories and follow updates from YQT and aviation authorities during peak wildfire periods.
