‘They might have been toast’: Canoeists escape Ontario wildfire

Two canoeists narrowly escaped a life-threatening situation after becoming trapped by a fast-moving wildfire in Ontario's Wabakimi Provincial Park. Bruce Hyer, owner of the Wabakimi Wilderness lodge, described the ordeal as a near-death experience for the paddlers, who had been in the park for weeks.

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They got pinned down and frankly almost died, so we are very happy they are alive and well.

The canoeists were pinned down by the rapidly spreading flames for two days. They used satellite messaging devices to stay in contact, enduring terrifying conditions and struggling to breathe. "They were terrified and they were gasping for breath. They had wet T-shirts over their faces," Hyer told Global News. "The chances of death were very, very high. A few more hours, they might have been toast."

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They were terrified and they were gasping for breath. They had wet T-shirts over their faces.

Initially, the Ontario Provincial Police indicated a helicopter rescue would occur. However, the outfitter was later informed the responsibility would fall to them. Hyer's company hired a helicopter at a significant cost before police eventually assisted. Hyer noted that his own lodge had burned down in the fires, but the priority was the safe return of the canoeists. "We are so glad the OPP changed its mind and did help us out in the end," he said.

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The chances of death were very, very high. A few more hours, they might have been toast.

All clients at the remote park are equipped with satellite communication devices. "We’re just so relieved they’re safe," Hyer added, expressing his immense relief. The incident highlights the dangers posed by the ongoing wildfires in northwestern Ontario, which have also led to evacuation alerts and severe smoke impacting air quality across the province.

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We are so glad the OPP changed its mind and did help us out in the end.