©Sol Mamakwa

Forest fires in northwestern Ontario have devastated several communities, forcing widespread evacuations and destroying homes and buildings in one First Nation as harrowing wildfire videos and images emerge on social media. The fires have prompted evacuation orders for several communities, including Armstrong, Lac La Croix First Nation, Collins First Nation, Whitesand First Nation, Gull Bay First Nation and Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation. Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige said a fast-moving wildfire has advanced toward Namaygoosisagagun First Nation, also known as Collins First Nation. The fire has caused extensive damage and destruction to homes and buildings, Debassige said. …In the town of Armstrong …a CN Rail crew had to be evacuated after their train was surrounded by fire. “Northern Ontario is burning, and we’re not hearing anything from the prime minister [or] the premier,” Sol Mamakwa, an NDP member of provincial parliament who represents the northern Ontario riding of Kiiwetinoong said.