THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO / RankWire.AI / – Nearly 200 wildfires have burned throughout Ontario on July 15, with the majority of blazes concentrated in the northern regions. According to provincial data, there were 183 active fires at 3 p.m. The Northwest Fire Region reported 136 fires by the evening, including 63 that remained uncontrolled. During the day, crews identified eight new fires. Severe fire danger was present in several northern districts as hot, dry, and windy conditions fueled rapid fire expansion.
Authorities issued evacuation orders for residents of Armstrong, Whitesand First Nation, Gull Bay First Nation, and Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation. Evacuations also impacted Namaygoosisagagun First Nation and Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation. The Ontario Provincial Police assisted in relocating residents and managing traffic near closed roads. Additionally, officials placed nearby communities—such as those near Ignace, Crystal Lake, and Highway 633—on evacuation alert. Emergency responders advised residents to prepare essential supplies and adhere to local directives.
The fire caused extensive destruction at Namaygoosisagagun, a remote First Nation approximately 200 kilometres north of Thunder Bay. Since no road connects the community with surrounding towns, residents evacuated by boat. The Anishinabek Nation reported that all known residents had reached safety, pending a comprehensive community assessment. The fire damaged or destroyed homes and public structures. Namaygoosisagagun has around 40 residents. Community representatives have begun evaluating the impacted area post-evacuation.
Road closures hinder evacuations and emergency operations
Major routes across northwestern Ontario were shut down due to wildfire activity, hampering travel between several remote communities. Highway 599 remains closed between Highway 516 and Mishkeegogamang First Nation. Highway 527 also remains shut between Gull Bay First Nation and Armstrong. However, Highway 11 has reopened between Highways 633 and 623, although emergency crews continue to operate in the area. Canadian National Railway halted services near Armstrong after a fire encircled a train. The crew evacuated safely before conditions deteriorated.
Firefighters focused their efforts on communities, transportation routes, and other vital infrastructure. Dryden 13 merged with nearby fires in the Wabakimi region, creating the larger Thunder Bay 36 fire. Crews also operated near Quetico Provincial Park, Atikokan, Upsala, Cat Lake, and Fort Hope. Water bombers targeted active fire zones while ground teams established containment lines. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources deployed personnel and equipment to areas facing the most immediate danger.
Wildfire smoke affects air quality across a broader area
Thick smoke has traveled south from northern Ontario, reaching parts of the northeastern United States. Toronto experienced an Air Quality Health Index of 10+, indicating the highest risk level. Environment Canada warned that the smoke had severely reduced air quality and visibility. Health officials recommended that children, seniors, and individuals with heart or lung conditions limit outdoor activities. Fine particles in wildfire smoke can irritate the lungs and exacerbate existing health issues.
Ontario declared a Restricted Fire Zone across the Northwest Fire Region and portions of northeastern Ontario. The order bans campfires and other open-air burning. Officials also suspended all active burning permits within the restricted zone. So far this year, Ontario has recorded 453 wildland fires, up from 349 at the same point in 2025. The 10-year average for this period was 312. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources urged residents to stay informed by monitoring official evacuation, highway, and wildfire notices.