Forest fires prompt evacuation in northwest communities

An aerial image of one of 31 new forest fires burning in the Northwestern Region of Ontario on July 13, 2026. (Ministry of Natural Resources/Ontario Forest Fires/X)

Wildfires burning across northwestern Ontario have forced multiple communities to evacuate, with hot, dry conditions and high winds fuelling aggressive fire behaviour across the region.

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, as of Monday evening, there were 128 active wildland fires in the Northwest Region, with 53 of those not under control. The ministry reported 31 new wildland fires were discovered on July 13 alone.

Ontario Provincial Police issued mandatory evacuation orders for Armstrong, Collins First Nation, Cushing Lake, Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation and nearby communities, and Whitesand First Nation.

“If you are in these communities and need assistance (with) evacuation, please call 911,” the OPP said in a social media post early Tuesday morning.

Evacuation preparations

Residents in Ignace, Crystal Lake and the Highway 633 area have been advised to prepare for possible evacuation, although no orders are currently in place.

“Residents in some locations may have been directly advised by emergency personnel to evacuate as a precaution,” wrote OPP.

“Please continue to monitor for any updates.”

Highway closures

The OPP has confirmed multiple road closures remain in effect across the affected region.

• Highway 11 is closed in both directions between Highway 633 and Highway 623, east of Atikokan.
• Highway 599 is closed southbound between Highway 516 and Mishkeegogamang First Nation.

“OPP is urging the public to stay informed and plan ahead,” the police service wrote.

OPP has advised those evacuating to pack essential items, including medications, identification, passports and important documents.

Residents are also being told to follow all evacuation orders, road closures, and instructions from emergency officials and to keep a safe distance from emergency crews and aircraft so they can carry out their work effectively.

For emergencies, the OPP directed the public to call 911.

For up-to-date road closures and travel conditions, check 511on.ca

Large fires burning

Among the most significant fires is Fort Frances 14, located approximately 35 kilometres southwest of Upsala near Byers Lake. The fire has grown to 1,749.7 hectares and remains not under control. The ministry reported 13 FireRanger crews, 10 Type-2 firefighting crews and 12 helicopters are assigned to suppression operations.

“Increased fire behaviour was observed today as hot, dry conditions persist,” the ministry said in its daily wildfire update.

Fort Frances 15, burning in Quetico Provincial Park south of Pickerel Lake, has reached 1,751.9 hectares and is also not under control.

Other large fires include Dryden 35 at 500 hectares near Weaver Lake, Dryden 34 at 400 hectares near Harmon Lake, Thunder Bay 56 at 400 hectares near Wawang Lake, and Thunder Bay 54 at 400 hectares near Brett Lake.

Sioux Lookout 84, located near DeLesseps Lake approximately 71 kilometres south of Mishkeegogamang First Nation, has grown to 143 hectares.

For up-to-date forest fire information, visit ontario.ca/forestfire or consult the ministry’s interactive fire map.

Restricted Fire Zone takes effect

Due to high to extreme forest fire hazard conditions, the MNR will implement a Restricted Fire Zone effective Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. local time for the Northwest Region and parts of the Northeast Region.

Portable gas or propane stoves may be used for cooking and warmth but must be handled with extreme caution. All burning permits are suspended.

Airspace restrictions over fire zones

The ministry has issued formal Notices to Airmen, commonly known as NOTAMs, for airspace above two significant fire zones, restricting civilian aircraft from entering the areas.

A NOTAM is currently in effect for the area of wildland fire Fort Frances 14, northeast of Byers Lake. A separate NOTAM has also been issued for Nipigon 16 near Kasabonika Lake First Nation.

The ministry said the restrictions are intended to protect firefighting aircraft operations and ensure the safety of crews working at low altitudes over active blazes.

Ongoing fire activity

The MNR added that Ontario firefighting aircraft and Fire Ranger crews are responding to multiple new fire starts and heightened fire behaviour as conditions persist.

“The current fire hazard to remain, along with the potential for problematic fires to continue and expect a continuation of the increased forest fire activity into the foreseeable future,” the ministry wrote.

Environment Canada’s forecast has much of northern Ontario under a severe heat warning Tuesday, with predicted highs of 36 C and the humidex reading making it feel as hot as 40 C.