First Nation leaders demand public inquiry into Ontario wildfire response

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First Nation leaders are calling for a public inquiry into the Ontario wildfire response after they say communities were left to evacuate without help from the province and some residents narrowly avoided the encroaching flames.

The chief of Gull Bay First Nation says an inquiry should investigate a number of issues such as the government’s emergency co-ordination with First Nations, evacuation planning and overall provincial preparedness.

Chief Wilfred King says the lack of communication and evacuation support should “horrify all Canadians.”

Record-breaking wildfires burning across northern Ontario have prompted evacuations in at least 12 First Nations and forced more than 1,800 people to flee their homes.

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Several communities, including Whitewater Lake and Whitesand, have reported widespread destruction.

Premier Doug Ford says his government has done “everything we possibly can” to respond to the wildfires.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 21, 2026.

Jordan Omstead, The Canadian Press