First Nations Wildfire Updates and Support

Wildfires continue to threaten First Nations across northern Ontario, forcing evacuations, disrupting transportation routes, and placing increase pressure on communities, emergency responders, and essential services.

The Chiefs of Ontario is working with First Nations Leadership and partners to share timely information, identify urgent needs, and advocate for coordinated emergency support within the Ontario region.
This page provides wildfire updates, emergency information, available resources, donation details, and official situation reports.

Please scroll to the bottom of the page to access all available downloads.

Last updated: August 12 at 9:44 am EDT

  • Whitesand First Nation
  • Namaygoosisagagun First Nation
  • Gull Bay First Nation
  • Eabametoong (Fort Hope) First Nation

Anishinabek Nation is collecting essential items to support First Nations affected by the ongoing wildfires. 100% of all donations received will be redistributed to affected First Nations to help meet urgent community needs.

Items Currently Accepted

  • All clothing (all sizes and genders)
    • As resources are limited, we kindly ask that all clothing donations be new, gently used, washed, organized, and folded.
  • Non-perishable food and essential goods (i.e canned foods, boxed goods, hygiene products, feminine products, etc)
  • Toys for children of all ages

Due to limited storage space, donors are asked to bring only the items listed above at this time.

Drop-Off Information

Location: The Outset, 610 Simpson Street, Thunder Bay, Ontario

Hours: Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET

Contact: Courtney Mohring, Ingaged Creative Productions, 807-620-5324

Wildfire Information and Resources

For real-time information on active fires, current fire-danger conditions, and restricted fire zones, visit the Government of Ontario’s interactive Forest Fire Information Map.

Additional emergency resources, government information, and community supports will be added as they become available.

To report a wildland fire, including a grass, brush, or forest fire:
North of the French and Mattawa rivers:
Call 310-FIRE (3473)
South of the French and Mattawa rivers:
Call 911
The Chiefs of Ontario continues to call on the federal and provincial governments to provide immediate, coordinated support to First Nations affected by wildfires.
Current priorities include:

  • Removing jurisdictional and administrative barriers that delay emergency assistance
  • Providing coordinated evacuation, transportation, accommodation, health, and emergency response support
  • Working directly with First Nations Leadership throughout response and recovery efforts
  • Ensuring First Nations actively fighting fires and protecting their communities have adequate resources
  • Maintaining reliable routes for the delivery of food, medicine, fuel, and other essential supplies
  • Supporting host communities and municipalities receiving evacuees

The increasing frequency and severity of wildfires are part of a broader climate crisis that is placing First Nations at growing risk. All levels of government must work directly with First Nations to strengthen emergency preparedness, evacuation infrastructure, fire prevention, community response capacity, and long-term climate justice.

Contact First Nations Wildfire Updates and Support

Chiefs of Ontario

  • Isak Vaillancourt
  • Communications Manager
  • Email: isak.vaillancourt@coo.org
  • Phone: 416-819-8184

Provincial Emergency Operations Centre

The Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) provides regional wildfire updates to Indigenous communities through calls led by the PEOC Duty Officer. To be added to the distribution list, contact the PEOC Duty Officer and provide your email address:

  • Phone: 417-314-0472
  • Toll-free: 1-866-314-0472
  • Email: peocdo01@ontario.ca

THE LATEST FROM FIRST NATONS WILDFIRE UPDATES AND SUPPORT

Updates

OFFICIAL NOTICES, REPORTS, AND OTHER DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES WILL BE POSTED BELOW.

Notice and Document Downloads