Ontario fires, summer 2026
However, by the third week of July, in 2026, northern Ontario had multiple fires which behaved much like Alberta fires had in previous years, spreading, leaping, joining until they were out of control.
Massive volumes of smoke followed, engulfing Toronto so the air was the worst on the planet. The smoke moved, and instead of volunteering firefighting support, as Canada does with fires in neighbouring countries, politicians from the country south of us blamed Canada, imposing 50% tariffs as punishment.
People from Namaygoosisagagun, or Collins First Nation, Webequie, Wabasse, and Deer Lake First Nations in northwestern Ontario have had to evacuate, some without any help from the government whose job it is.
Chief Paavola says Namaygoosisagagun has been flattened. There is no home for anyone to go back to. And she is furious that they were left to fend for themselves. “I just want people to know what my community is facing right now is pure devastation, and their evacuation was done without any provincial or federal help,” she said. “It was done with their own bravery. They are their own heroes.” (Talaga)
Talaga, Tanya. “Opinion: Why Did Members of a Northwest Ontario First Nation Have to Be ‘Their Own Heroes’ amid Wildfire?” The Globe and Mail, 16 July 2026. www.theglobeandmail.com, https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-why-did-collins-first-nation-members-have-to-be-their-own-heroes-amid/.
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- Fire Series Monique Tschofen
