Story perspectives

Ontario Wildfires Evacuate 2,000, Destroy 30 Reserve Homes

7/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Communities in Ontario were forced to evacuate as wildfires razed the Namaygoosisagagun (Collins) and Whitewater Lake reserves.
Premier Doug Ford said close to 2,000 evacuees went to Toronto, Niagara Falls and Thunder Bay.
Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige said the fire destroyed over 30 homes, the school and the community centre.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said 2026 was an intense wildfire season with ~1,000 fires and $271 million spent in 2025-26.

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Story summary

Communities in Ontario were forced to evacuate as wildfires razed the Namaygoosisagagun (Collins) and Whitewater Lake reserves.
Premier Doug Ford said close to 2,000 evacuees went to Toronto, Niagara Falls and Thunder Bay.
Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige said the fire destroyed over 30 homes, the school and the community centre.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said 2026 was an intense wildfire season with ~1,000 fires and $271 million spent in 2025-26.