First Nations leaders from Northern Ontario have demanded a public inquiry and the resignation of provincial officials following criticism of the government's wildfire response.

At a news conference in Thunder Bay, Gull Bay First Nation Chief Wilfred King stated that systemic issues within the emergency response system require an independent investigation.

Other Indigenous leaders reported receiving minimal or no communication about evacuation orders, with some communities forced to self-evacuate without prior warning.

For example, Namaygoosisagagun First Nation Chief Helen Paavola described her community as deciding on their own to flee using boats after their village was destroyed.

Whitewater First Nation Chief Pauline Drake highlighted the lack of advance notice about fire risks, noting her community was only informed last minute.

Premier Doug Ford’s office has not contacted affected leaders since the crisis began, according to King, who emphasized provincial responsibility for the failures.

The wildfires, fueled by lightning storms and extreme weather conditions, have burned over 7,250 square kilometers in Ontario, with more than 180 active fires.Across Canada, wildfires have scorched three million hectares, making 2026 a potential third-largest wildfire season in history.While officials acknowledge the scale of the crisis, they emphasize preparedness measures and ongoing firefighting efforts.