UPDATE 3:00 p.m: The OPP says mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for residents of Armstrong, Collins First Nation, Cushing Lake, Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation and Whitesand First Nation as active forest fires continue to threaten the area.
Upsala, Ignace, Crystal Lake, Atikokan and the Highway 633 area are under evacuation alert for what the OPP call an evolving situation.
For the latest wildfire information, visit Forest fires | ontario.ca and check the province’s interactive forest fire map.
The wildfires have closed both lanes of Highway 11 between Highway 633 and Highway 623 (east of Atikokan).
Highway 599 is closed between Highway 516 and Mishkeegogamang First Nation.
Visit Ontario 511 for up-to-date information on road closures.
The largest wildfire, burning near Collins since late May, has scorched more than 14,000 hectares.
Several other fires are burning nearby, bringing heavy smoke to communities across the region.
Videos shared to social media show Whitesand First Nation residents evacuating by boat to escape the approaching wildfires.
As of Tuesday afternoon, there are 128 active wildfires across northwestern Ontario.
Emergency crews are on the ground, helping residents evacuate safely.
Residents are being urged to use extreme caution in forested areas and along the wildland-urban interface, where homes and communities border forested land. Officials are reminding the public to avoid parking on dry grass, allow ATVs and other off-road vehicles to cool regularly, and avoid using fire unless absolutely necessary.
Camp Gitchigomee’s Junior Camp 2026 has been cancelled and all campers have been safely evacuated.
Foster animals from wildfire-affected areas will need temporary homes.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided when available.
