Indigenous community in northwestern Ontario evacuated as wildfire destroys homes

Residents of the Namaygoosisagagun (Collins) First Nation in northwestern Ontario were ordered to evacuate on July 13 after a wildfire approached their isolated community, which has no road access. About 25 of the roughly 60 members were on the lake when they boarded small aluminum boats, leaving behind pets and belongings. One resident described seeing a thick wall of smoke and flames reaching the shoreline as the boats crossed the lake.

The fire destroyed more than 30 homes, as well as the community’s administration office, school, centre and storage facilities. Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige said the loss could have been far worse if emergency response had been delayed. The provincial government acknowledged the fire started unusually close to the settlement and said it would review its response.

Ontario officials noted that the incident highlights gaps in wildfire preparedness, with several other northern communities under evacuation or standby orders. Provincial MP Lise Vaugeois called for additional firefighting resources, prescribed burns and fire-breaks to reduce fuel loads.

Air quality warnings have been issued across the province as smoke spreads hundreds of kilometres, affecting cities such as Thunder Bay and Toronto. Residents with respiratory conditions, including a COPD patient in Belleville, reported severe haze and difficulty breathing.

Chief Helen Paavola, whose home was destroyed, said the community is grieving but remains determined to rebuild. "We are going home," she told reporters.