The leadership of Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek strongly opposes the Ontario government's decision to end wildfire implementation and evacuation orders around the community.

Chief Wilfred King of the Ojibway First Nation in northwestern Ontario expressed his concerns about the withdrawal in an interview with CBC Thunder Bay.

Our community members are still at risk, and our infrastructure is also at risk, he said.

A large wildfire, Thunder Bay 36, is burning north of Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek, covering over 301,000 hectares.

To the southwest, there are wildfires Dryden 34, Dryden 35, and Thunder Bay 56, which cover many hectares.

The community leadership was aware of the plans to lift the orders and objected, but they received a letter stating that the orders would end on Friday, according to King.

This First Nation in Ontario is warning against being too optimistic about the wildfire threats.

The fires surrounding the community are still out of control, with the northern fire only 20 kilometers away and the western fires about 30 kilometers away.

If the western fire grows and poses a threat, it would cross Highway 527, the community's only escape route.

The only other escape option would be to cross Lake Nipigon by boat, which is not a good alternative.

The community is concerned because they saw how fast the fire moved in other areas, about 48 kilometers per day.

If the weather improves, we would feel more comfortable, King said.

Although the community has received updates on improved wildfire conditions, King believes these updates are often late and not accurate.

We often do not get the maps of the burned areas until two days later, King said.

The wildfires are the community's main concern because they could destroy the whole community, King said.

Before people return to the community, they also need to fix the water treatment plant to ensure the water is safe to drink.

Everyone wants to return home, but we must ensure the infrastructure is working and the water is safe.

The community is also concerned about preventing a sewage backup like the one that happened in Neskantaga First Nation.

A sewage leak forced another evacuation in Neskantaga First Nation.

We are working on a sewage project, but it was stopped due to the wildfires, and we need to finish it before people can return.

These are the kinds of things the community is aware of, but the ministry does not seem to understand, King said.

CBC News contacted the Ministry of Natural Resources for comment on Gull Bay's concerns and received a statement.

The Ministry of Natural Resources is in regular contact with First Nations communities to share information on fire activity, a spokesperson said.

The ministry will only change evacuation orders when fires no longer pose a risk to the community, based on expert advice.

Photos taken by evacuees show the large wildfire that forced people to leave their homes in northwestern Ontario.

However, King said the community believes the implementation order should have stayed in effect until they are confident the community is safe.

Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek has support from Indigenous Services Canada, and the minister has said it is up to the community to lift its own evacuation order.

Although members can return to the community, the chief and council have made it clear that they will be doing so at their own risk.

The community will not take responsibility if something bad happens to the community or its members, King added.

The Hope for Wellness Helpline provides emotional support and crisis intervention to all Indigenous people in Canada, available 24/7 in several languages.