Fort Frances 14: Evacuation Order & Expanded Evacuation Alert

This Order is in effect as of July 17, 2026 at 7:00  a.m. Eastern Daylight Time until such time as the order is revoked.

For exemption permit information, please call 807-475-1471

To support evacuees, a reception centre is open at Fort William Gardens Arena, located at 901 Miles St E, Thunder Bay.

The centre includes sleeping accommodations, food, water, pet accommodation, hygiene kits, and medical supports.

Expanded Evacuation Alert – Fort Frances 14

An expanded Evacuation Alert has been issued for areas within the Thunder Bay-Ignace District near the active wildland fire, Fort Frances 14. This is not an Evacuation Order. Residents in the newly identified alert areas are strongly encouraged to prepare for a possible evacuation and be ready to leave on short notice if conditions change.

Please be advised that all areas included in the prior Evacuation Order remain under those orders and evacuation is still required

This includes the following townships:

• Wawiag Road
• West Nelson Lake Road

All areas located on the following lakes:

• Shebandowan Lakes
• Kashabowie Lake
• Burchell Lake
• Lac Des Milles Lacs
• Rudge Lake
• Brule Lake
• Baril Lake
• Lang lake
• Huronian Lake
• Peterkin Lake
• Athelstane
• Little Athelstane Lake
• Bundy Lake
• Worthy Lake
• Milton Lake
• Moss Lake
• Rainbow Lake

Please plan ahead and stay connected:

• Make sure you are aware of the current fire situation
• Prepare an emergency bag with your essentials (medicine, passports, legal documents etc.)
• Monitor official channels for updates at ontario.ca/fireupdates
• Be ready to quickly leave if instructed
• Respect evacuation orders, road closures and public officials’ direction
• Give crews and aircraft ample space to work

For more information on this evacuation alert, please call 807-475-1471