Northern Ontario First Nation evacuates as fire crews battle spreading wildfire
Written by The Canadian Press on June 4, 2026
A northern Ontario First Nation is evacuating as provincial fire crews battle a spreading wildfire south of Timmins.
Mattagami First Nation Chief Jennifer Constant and council members issued a mandatory evacuation order Wednesday afternoon based on the advice of the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Officials say residents who have not yet left should head to the community complex so emergency crews can ensure their safe evacuation from the area before the forest fire jumps a nearby highway.
Ontario Forest Fires says the fire known as Timmins 9 is still out of control and had reached 1100 hectares in size as of Wednesday.
It says nine Ontario Fire Ranger crews, which specialize in wildland fires, have been assigned to the blaze.
The Ministry of Natural Resources has limited access to several roads in the area including parts of the Gogama Unit Road, the Upper Kasasaway Lake access road and the Kenetogami Lake Road.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 4, 2026.
The Canadian Press