Niagara Falls offers to host evacuees as wildfires in northern Ontario escalate

The wildfire crisis in northern Ontario is escalating, with 190 fires now burning across the province and dozens of them still not under control.

Thirteen communities are also being evacuated, and some of the evacuees could end up in Niagara Falls.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford spoke Monday about the ongoing fight against the fires and also had a message for the U.S. president, after Donald Trump suggested Canada could face tariffs over wildfire smoke crossing the border.

The fight against wildfires across northern Ontario continues with crews battling more than 100 active fires — as smoke from the region continues to travel hundreds of kilometres south.

The fires have forced people from remote and First Nations communities to evacuate, as the province continues to deploy firefighting crews and resources.

Ford outlined the growing crisis at a briefing Monday morning, who said the fires have now burned down well over 700,000 hectares of land.

READ MORE: As wildfires burn coast to coast, a look at what’s happening in affected provinces

“It’s moving quickly and as of this morning, there are a total of 190 wildland fires across Ontario,” said Ford. “56 of those are still considered not under control, 112 are being observed and six are being held – 16 are under control.”

Ford says there are currently more than 150 in-province fire crews and at least 80 water bombers and helicopters in operation, with dozens more ready to assist.

“Thirteen communities are being evacuated or still in the process of evacuating,” said Ford.

But the impact is being felt well beyond the province, with smoke drifting south of the border and now drawing a warning of potential tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump, following a conversation Sunday with Prime Minister Mark Carney.

“I’ve a good relationship with Mark Carney but, we gotta stop the fires from up there,” said Trump. “We can help them – we’ll help them, but maybe they should pay us some damages or something or we should do some tariffs.”

“I get frustrated, just listening to this bunch of rubbish,” said Ford, who appeared on CNN Monday pushing back.

WATCH MORE: Hamilton residents adapt to fluctuating air quality as northern wildfires burn

Ford pointed to the help Ontario has provided the U.S. during past natural disasters.

“This is beyond politics, our relationship, and I know my neighbours need help, you go and support them,” said Ford.

The premier is urging U.S. politicians to stop complaining and instead to offer help.

Emergency Preparedness Minister Jill Dunlop says members of displaced communities are being flown south to safety.

“They’re in host cities like Thunder Bay, Kapuskasing, Sudbury, Barrie, and then Toronto has put their hand up, as well as Niagara Falls,” said Dunlop. “So, a lot of coordination in those efforts.”

This remains a developing and ever-changing situation, with conditions across northern Ontario continuing to shift.

While the air quality in our area has significantly improved since last week, it’s not clear just how long that will last.

READ MORE: Close to 200 wildfires are active in northern Ontario, as communities evacuate