Weather shift aids Ontario wildfires fight

THUNDER BAY, Ontario, July 25 (UPI) -- Cooler, wetter weather is aiding firefighters in northwestern Ontario, but more than 100 wildfires are still consuming the parched woods, officials said Monday.

Almost 3,600 people forced from their homes are being housed in school gymnasiums, college dormitories and hotels scattered across the vast province, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reports.

Firefighters must dig out roots and other organic matter burning underground.

Ian Davidson, Ontario's deputy minister of community safety, said Sunday the province was hoping to bring some evacuees back home and reunite families.

Several entire indigenous communities have had to be fully evacuated.