Residents in Parts of Northern Ontario Ordered to Evacuate as Forest Fires Grow
Several communities in northwestern Ontario have been ordered to evacuate as fast-moving wildfires continue to threaten homes, First Nations and key transportation routes. Emergency officials are directing affected residents to leave immediately and travel south toward Thunder Bay.
Mandatory Evacuation Orders Issued
Ontario Provincial Police said mandatory evacuation orders are in place for Armstrong, Lac La Croix First Nation, Collins First Nation, Whitesand First Nation and Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation.
Police said the affected areas are under evacuation orders and that parts of several highways in the region have been closed because of wildfire danger.
Collins First Nation Reportedly Destroyed
Sol Mamakwa, MPP for Kiiwetinoong, said the wildfire has destroyed Collins First Nation.
The fire is also threatening nearby communities, including parts of the Rainy River District and Gull Bay First Nation, as flames continue to spread through the region.
Other Communities Told to Prepare
OPP said residents in Ignace, Crystal Lake and the Highway 633 area should be ready in case evacuation orders are expanded.
Emergency officials are urging people in high-risk areas to stay alert, follow official instructions and prepare essential items in case they are told to leave.
Wabakimi Provincial Park Closed
Officials at Wabakimi Provincial Park said the park will remain closed until July 20 because of extreme forest fire conditions and evacuation orders affecting surrounding communities.
The closure is intended to protect visitors, staff and emergency crews as wildfires continue burning in and around the area.
Evacuees Directed Toward Thunder Bay
An alert from Emergency Management Ontario told residents in wildfire-affected areas to evacuate and head south to Thunder Bay.
Thunder Bay is serving as a key destination for evacuees as emergency teams coordinate shelter, transportation and support services.
Ontario Responding to 160 Active Fires
Ontario forest fire officials said the province is responding to 160 active wildland fires.
As of Monday evening, 128 active fires were burning in the Northwest Region alone. Of those fires, 53 were not under control, eight were being held, four were under control and 63 were being observed.
New Fires Continue to Appear
A regional wildfire update said 31 new wildland fires were discovered in the Northwest Region by the evening of July 13.
Officials also said smoke from fires in Canada and the United States was visible across parts of the Northwest Region.
Smoke and Flames Seen Across the Region
Photos and videos shared on social media appear to show thick grey and black smoke rising from wildfire zones, along with large flames burning through forested areas.
The heavy smoke is adding to safety concerns for residents, evacuees and emergency crews working in the region.
Heat Warning Adds to Fire Risk
Environment Canada had much of northern Ontario under a severe heat warning on Tuesday.
The humidex made conditions feel as hot as 40 C, creating additional challenges for firefighters and increasing concerns about fire growth in dry, hot weather.
The wildfire situation in northwestern Ontario remains serious as mandatory evacuations affect several communities and First Nations. With Collins First Nation reportedly destroyed, Wabakimi Provincial Park closed, highways impacted and more than 100 fires burning in the Northwest Region, officials are urging residents to follow evacuation orders and prepare for rapidly changing conditions. The combination of extreme heat, smoke and uncontrolled fires continues to create a dangerous emergency across the region.
