Safety & Justice
Jul 17, 2026

Northern Ontario First Nations evacuate as wildfires threaten communities

According to APTN News, four First Nations were placed under mandatory evacuation orders as wildfires spread across northern Ontario


July 17, 2026

Four First Nations in northern Ontario were under mandatory evacuation orders as fast-moving wildfires threatened their communities, according to reporting from APTN News. Residents of Namaygoosisagagun First Nation fled by boat as fire approached the community, while mandatory evacuations were also ordered for Whitesand First Nation, Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation and Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation. Emergency Management Ontario directed residents to leave the area and travel south to Thunder Bay. 

The Ontario Provincial Police said multiple highway closures were in effect and warned that wildfire conditions could change rapidly because of weather and other factors, according to reporting from APTN News. The Nishnawbe Aski Nation urged residents to follow community emergency and evacuation plans and directions from local leadership as Environment Canada issued a severe heat warning for much of northern Ontario.

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