Story perspectives

Crew Safe as Wildfire Engulfs CN Train Near Armstrong

7/16/2026

Summary

CN Crew Evacuated

CN said crew members were unharmed when a forest fire surrounded a train near Armstrong on Monday night.
The crew filmed flames, urged the train to move faster and backward, and were evacuated.
Teamsters president Francois Laporte praised the crew’s composure and urged CN to stop running trains in wildfire zones.
A lodge operator reported that lodges and residences in Namaygoosisagagun (Collins) were destroyed after CN halted operations near Armstrong.

Summary

Railways Combat Wildfires

Experts say hotter, drier summers increase wildfire risk to boreal rail lines.
Provincial data list roughly 200 active fires, raising speed-cut and multi-day closure risks.
Analysts note that rail shutdowns could disrupt grain and mineral shipments to ports and factories.
Railways are expanding vegetation management and testing fire-resistant ties and hardened bridges.
Labor groups seek wildfire thresholds, real-time fire maps in dispatch, and clear crew-stop authority.

Summary

OPP Orders Evacuations

Ontario Provincial Police ordered evacuations for Lac La Croix, Collins, Whitesand and Lac des Mille Lacs First Nations and warned Rainy River District and Gull Bay First Nation.
NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa said the fire destroyed Collins First Nation.
Officials reported 160 active wildland fires, 128 in the northwest, with 53 not under control.
Environment Canada issued a severe heat warning for northern Ontario as the humidex hit 40 °C.

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CN Crew Evacuated

CN said crew members were unharmed when a forest fire surrounded a train near Armstrong on Monday night.
The crew filmed flames, urged the train to move faster and backward, and were evacuated.
Teamsters president Francois Laporte praised the crew’s composure and urged CN to stop running trains in wildfire zones.
A lodge operator reported that lodges and residences in Namaygoosisagagun (Collins) were destroyed after CN halted operations near Armstrong.

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