Wildfires in northwestern Ontario have forced evacuations in several First Nation communities, including Armstrong, Collins First Nation, Lac La Croix First Nation, Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation, and Whitesand First Nation.

Over 130 active fires burned in the region on Wednesday, prompting provincial police to close highways and issue air quality warnings across southern Ontario, from Thunder Bay to London.Smoke from the blazes turned Toronto’s skyline yellow, raising health concerns and leading to outdoor event cancellations.The fires threaten areas around Lake Nipigon and have spread across the U.S.-Canada border, prompting warnings in New York State.Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources attributed the fires to recent lightning strikes and dry, warm weather, warning of continued fire activity.Gull Bay First Nation declared a state of emergency, with some elders refusing to evacuate despite the risks.

The provincial government emphasized coordination with communities and emergency responders, while Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty highlighted efforts to find relocation options for evacuees.The crisis underscores the environmental and public health impacts of wildfires in the region.