THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO / RankWire.AI / – Northern Ontario remained under a broad wildfire emergency on July 15 as 183 active fires burned across the province. The Northwest Fire Region counted 136 fires by evening, with crews still lacking control over 63. Officials identified eight new fires during the day. Hot weather, low moisture and strong winds kept the wildfire danger at extreme levels across several northern areas.
Evacuation orders covered Armstrong, Whitesand First Nation, Gull Bay First Nation and Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation. Authorities also directed residents to leave Namaygoosisagagun First Nation and Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation. The Ontario Provincial Police assisted communities and managed traffic around affected roads. Officials placed residents near Ignace, Crystal Lake and Highway 633 on alert as changing fire conditions threatened nearby travel routes.
A fast-moving wildfire struck Namaygoosisagagun, a remote First Nation located about 200 kilometres north of Thunder Bay. Community members escaped by boat because the settlement has no road connection. Anishinabek Nation said all known residents reached safety, subject to a complete assessment. Flames damaged or destroyed homes and community buildings in the settlement, which has about 40 members.
Wildfires cut road and rail access across the north
Highway 599 stayed shut between Highway 516 and Mishkeegogamang First Nation as crews worked near active fire zones. Officials also closed Highway 527 between Gull Bay First Nation and Armstrong. Highway 11 reopened between Highways 633 and 623, although emergency personnel continued operating along the route. Police urged motorists to avoid unnecessary travel and leave roads open for evacuation vehicles, fire crews and other emergency traffic.
Canadian National Railway suspended operations near Armstrong after flames surrounded a train and forced its crew to leave. Firefighters also focused on Quetico Provincial Park, Atikokan, Upsala, Cat Lake and Fort Hope. Dryden 13 joined nearby fires in the Wabakimi area and formed the larger Thunder Bay 36 fire. Water bombers attacked active fronts while ground crews protected communities, transport links and other critical infrastructure.
Smoke raises health risks far beyond northern Ontario
Wildfire smoke moved into southern Ontario and parts of the northeastern United States. Toronto recorded an Air Quality Health Index reading of 10+, which marks the highest risk category. Environment Canada warned that heavy smoke reduced visibility and created very poor air quality. Health officials advised children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions to limit time outdoors and reduce strenuous activity.
Ontario placed the Northwest Fire Region and parts of northeastern Ontario under a Restricted Fire Zone. The order banned campfires and other open-air burning, while officials suspended existing burning permits. The province had recorded 453 wildland fires in 2026, compared with 349 by the same point in 2025. The 10-year average stood at 312 fires, and officials asked residents to follow evacuation notices and check current road conditions before travelling.