KUCHING: Wildfires sweeping across Canada have devastated several communities in northern Ontario, forcing widespread evacuations and destroying homes and buildings in Namaygoosisagagun First Nation (Collins, Ontario) on Tuesday.
According to the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System, there were 858 active wildfires burning across Canada, including 30 new fires reported on Thursday.
Among the worst-hit areas is Namaygoosisagagun First Nation, which has been burned to the ground after residents were evacuated, according to a joint statement by Ontario New Democratic Party Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) Sol Mamakwa and Lise Vaugeois.
Evacuation orders have also been issued for several other communities, including Armstrong, Whitesand First Nation, Gull Bay First Nation and Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation, while smoke from the fires has prompted air quality warnings across parts of Canada and the United States.
The footage shared in this post was captured by Canadian photographer Lyndon Tyler, who witnessed the destruction of his hometown.
“I can’t believe this happened. I watched my home burn. Although I’m happy we got everyone out at the last minute, I haven’t slept yet,” he wrote in a social media post on July 14.
“Collins has burned to the ground. This is a tragedy and we are grateful that everyone got out safely,” Vaugeois said in the statement.
