People in several communities in northwestern Ontario have been told to evacuate their homes because of nearby forest fires.
Ontario Provincial Police announced on social media that evacuation orders have been issued for Armstrong, Lac La Croix First Nation, Collins First Nation, Whitesand First Nation, and Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation.
These areas are under mandatory evacuation orders and parts of several highways in the vicinity are closed, according to police. Highway 11 – between Highway 633 and Highway 623 – has now reopened.
The fire also poses a threat to other nearby communities, including Rainy River District and Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek, known as Gull Bay First Nation.
OPP confirmed they will assist Gull Bay First Nation with a mandatory evacuation.
“Individuals living in this area have been asked to leave their residence immediately and seek safety away from active fires,” police said in a news release late Tuesday.
An alert from Emergency Management Ontario advised residents under evacuation orders to head south toward Thunder Bay.
However, Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek stated there would be no accommodations available in Thunder Bay, meaning some families may not be housed together.
Residents still remaining in the community Wednesday morning will be flown to Toronto, according to the statement.
“Know that we are pushing hard and attempting to move mountains to ensure KZA evacuees can be made as comfortable as possible just as soon as possible,” it said.
Meanwhile, the OPP warned those in Ignace, Crystal Lake, and the Highway 633 area should prepare for potential evacuations.
Officials at Wabakimi Provincial Park announced it will remain closed until July 20 due to severe forest fire conditions surrounding the park and evacuation orders affecting neighboring communities.
Ontario’s forest fire officials reported that there are currently 160 active wildland fires across the province. As of Monday evening, there were 128 active fires specifically in the northwest region.
“Of those fires, 53 are not under control; eight fires are being held; four fires are under control; and 63 fires are being observed,” the ministry’s website noted.
Photos and videos shared on social media show large gray and black smoke plumes along with towering flames from wildfires.
Environment Canada placed much of northern Ontario under a severe heat warning on Tuesday, with the humidex making it feel like it’s 40 C outside.
This report by The Canadian Press was first July 14, 2026.
– With files from Aaron Sousa in Edmonton
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