Mike McDonaldAPTN News
Four First Nations in northern Ontario are under a mandatory evacuation notice according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and one community, Namaygoosisagagun was being engulfed as residents fled.
“I had time to run home and pack a bag and get to the beach where the boats were waiting,” said a member of Namaygoosisagagun First Nation (Collins). “We literally had minutes to get on the boats and flee before it took our town.
“Once we left my house finally after packing what I could in a pack sack, the fire was right behind our place. We had to run to the beach and once we got there, it was only moments before the fire had jumped over the (train) track and was coming for us.”
Members of Whitesand First Nation, Lac des Mill Lacs First Nation and Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation have also been ordered to flee ahead of wildfires in the area.
A number of fires around several others are being watched including Rainy River District, Gull Bay First Nation, Pickle Lake, Ignace and Upsala.
A fire map provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources in Ontario (via APTN)
According to the OPP, a number of highway closures are in place including Highway 11 – between Hwy 633 and 623, Hway 599 – southbound closed between Hwy 516 and Mishkeegogamang First Nation and Hwy 527 – northbound at Gull Bay First Nation.
“The OPP reminds the public that wildfires are dynamic and unpredictable,” said a statement by the police service on social media. “Fire behaviour, including the size and direction of a wildfire, can change rapidly due to weather conditions and other factors.”
An alert from Emergency Management Ontario says residents should leave the area and head south to Thunder Bay.
Meanwhile, the OPP says those in Ignace, Crystal Lake and the Highway 633 area should prepare for possible evacuations.
EVACUATION UPDATE (5:30 a.m. EDT): NWR OPP continues to advise the public of mandatory evacuation orders in the following areas due to ongoing forest fires:
🔴 Armstrong
🔴 Collins First Nation
🔴 Cushing Lake
🔴 Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation and nearby communities
🔴… pic.twitter.com/X5pytiYRIW— OPP North West Region (@OPP_NWR) July 14, 2026
Several social media posts show massive grey and black plumes of smoke and fire from various fires.
Environment Canada has much of northern Ontario under a severe heat warning, with forecasters predicting highs of 36 C and the humidex making it feel as hot as 40 C.
The Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), which advocates on behalf of 49 First Nations in northern Ontario, says that members should be prepared for anything.
“NAN urges all community members to be aware of their community’s emergency and evacuation plans and to be prepared to evacuate if required. Community leadership will provide updates as the situation develops,” said a statement from the organization. “Please follow the direction of your Chief and Council and local emergency management officials.”
To view Ontario’s wildfires, click here: Forest Fire Info
According to the OPP, health-related questions can be directed to the Northwestern Health Unit for the Kenora District at 1-800-830-5978, or the Thunder Bay District Health Unit at 807-625-5900.
The police said information on road closures can be found on 511on.ca or, people can call the Ministry of Transportation 1-800-268-4686.
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