Wildfire Map Spotlight: Northwestern Ontario wildfires, Canada

What are the name and location of the wildfires?

As of July 15, 2026, multiple wildfires continue to burn across northwestern Ontario, Canada, threatening communities and producing widespread smoke.

More than 100 active wildfires are burning across the region, with numerous fires remaining out of control due to extreme heat, dry conditions, and strong winds (1).

The fires are burning across districts including Nipigon, Sioux Lookout, Red Lake, Dryden, Fort Frances, and areas along the Ontario-Minnesota border. Significant wildfire activity is also occurring near Wabakimi Provincial Park, Quetico Provincial Park, Lake Nipigon, Lac la Croix, Armstrong, Whitesand First Nation, and several remote Indigenous communities.

Several fires have expanded rapidly over recent days, with some merging into larger complexes while others have crossed the international border from Minnesota into Ontario. Provincial firefighting resources continue to focus on protecting communities, critical infrastructure, and transportation corridors as additional crews arrive to assist with suppression efforts (2).

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires?

The cities and areas affected by the Northwestern Ontario wildfires include:

Armstrong
Collins First Nation (Namaygoosisagagun First Nation)
Cushing Lake
Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation (Lac La Croix First Nation)
Gull Bay First Nation (Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek)
Ignace
Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation
McDowell Lake area
Pickle Lake
Quetico Provincial Park
Thunder Bay (evacuation hub)
Upsala
Wabakimi Provincial Park
Whitesand First Nation

Smoke from the Northwestern Ontario wildfires is affecting air quality across parts of Canada and the northeastern United States. The cities and areas affected by wildfire smoke include:

Alma, Quebec
Boston, Massachusetts
Duluth, Minnesota
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Greater Sudbury, Ontario
Hancock, Michigan
Kingston, Ontario
Marquette, Michigan
Montreal, Quebec
Owen Sound, Ontario
Peterborough, Ontario
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Springfield, Massachusetts
Toronto, Ontario

As of July 15, 8:00 AM (local time) Toronto ranked as the 2nd most polluted major cities in the world.

Toronto, Canada ranked as the 2nd most polluted major city on July 15, 2026, 8:00 AM (local time). Source: IQAir.

Smoke is contributing to poor air quality across much of southern Ontario, including the Greater Toronto Area, while a shifting weather pattern is expected to transport dense smoke into parts of Quebec, the Great Lakes, and the northeastern United States. Areas beneath the thickest smoke plume may experience unhealthy air quality, reduced visibility, and increased health risks, particularly for sensitive groups (3).

What is the current containment status of the wildfires?

As of July 15, 2026, wildfire activity across northwestern Ontario continues to intensify, with the Ministry of Natural Resources reporting approximately 148 active wildfires across the region. Of these, 69 are classified as not under control, while only a small number are being held or fully controlled (4).

The outbreak consists of multiple individual fires rather than a single wildfire, so containment varies by incident. Several large fires continue to expand near Armstrong, Whitesand First Nation, Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation (Lac La Croix First Nation), Quetico Provincial Park, Wabakimi Provincial Park, the Upsala area, and along the Ontario-Minnesota border.

One of the largest active fires is Red Lake 24 (RED024), which has burned approximately 3,079 hectares and remains not under control. Other significant fires include Nipigon 45/46, which has merged into a single fire covering about 1,200 hectares, and Nipigon 50, which has reached approximately 730 hectares while remaining uncontrolled (5).

Fire crews, aircraft, and additional firefighters from outside the region continue suppression efforts under extremely hot, dry, and windy conditions. Authorities remain focused on protecting communities, infrastructure, and transportation routes while awaiting forecast rainfall expected later in the week.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for multiple communities threatened by advancing wildfires. Residents of Armstrong, Whitesand First Nation, Namaygoosisagagun First Nation (Collins First Nation), Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation, Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation (Lac La Croix First Nation), and Gull Bay First Nation have been instructed to leave immediately as fires continue to threaten homes and infrastructure (6).

Many evacuees have been relocated to Thunder Bay, while others are being transported to Toronto because accommodations in Thunder Bay have become limited. Emergency officials have also advised residents in Ignace, Crystal Lake, the Highway 633 area, Pickle Lake, Upsala, and portions of the Rainy River District to prepare for possible evacuations should fire conditions worsen.

Several highway closures and travel restrictions remain in place across northwestern Ontario, including sections of Highway 527 and Highway 599, while Wabakimi Provincial Park has been temporarily closed because of extreme wildfire conditions.

Environment Canada has also issued widespread air quality warnings across southern Ontario as dense wildfire smoke spreads through the province, with residents advised to limit outdoor activities and follow guidance from local authorities (7).