An already massive forest fire dubbed Timmins 9 has grown to more than 2,945 hectares, prompting the mandatory evacuation of nearby Mattagami First Nation.
A voluntary evacuation began June 2, but the sudden growth of Timmins 9 prompted the mandatory order June 3.
“Leadership has determined that evacuation is necessary to protect community members from the escalating threat,” said a statement from the First Nation’s chief and council.
“Community members have been advised to prepare for evacuation June 3 and to follow instructions provided by emergency response personnel and leadership.”
“We ask all residents to remain calm, cooperate with emergency personnel and stay informed through official updates.”
In its latest update, Ontario Forest Fires said Timmins 9 had grown from 465 hectares to 1,100, caused by “an increase in fire behaviour (Wednesday) afternoon.”
By late Thursday morning, officials said the fire was now 2,945 hectares — and still growing.
“Aerial fire suppression is underway as of (Thursday) morning,” Ontario Forest Fires said.
“An increase in fire behaviour is expected this afternoon, as persistent hot, dry and windy conditions are forecast.”
Nine crews assigned to Timmins 9
“Nine Ontario FireRanger crews are assigned to this wildland fire. Aerial fire suppression was ongoing throughout the afternoon and early evening,” the update said.
“Restrictions now in place in the area of Timmins 9.”
An implementation order has banned all travel and use of the Gogama Unit Road starting from Highway 144 northbound to the Crothers Road intersection.
Travel in that area “is prohibited unless authorized by an exemption permit issued by the Timmins-Kirkland Lake District Ministry of Natural Resources.”
Also prohibited is travel on the Upper Kasasaway Lake access road off Gogama Unit Road; the trail located behind the Old Vagabond restaurant leading to the Gogama Unit Road; and, on Kenetogami Lake Road from Highway 144 north to the Hazen Lake intersection.
The full implementation order can be found here.
For information about the restrictions in place, call 705-235-1300.
Also on June 3, precautionary evacuations began in Weenusk First Nation, because of Cochrane 5, a 135-acre fire that is out of control and is located near the Peawanuck Airport.
The evacuation is for parents with young children and members of the vulnerable population.
“Those travelling are asked to be prepared to have their belongings packed for approximately four day,” said a June 3 statement from chief and council.
“Evacuees will be transported to Thunder Bay until it is safe to return home.”
Ontario Forest fires said Wednesday evening there are eight active forest fires in the northeast region, while in Ontario as a whole, so far in 2026, there have been 138.
Current fires of note
- Cochrane 5, a 135-hectare fire located near the Peawanuck Airport. This fire is not under control.
- Sudbury 8 is a 30-hectare fire located less than a kilometre east of Shank Lake. This fire is not under control.
- Sudbury 9 is 0.1 hectares and located on the north shore of Lac Barbotte. This fire is not under control.
- Timmins 11 is a four-hectare fire located on the northwest side of Monocle Lake and south of the Larder Lake Station Road. This fire is being held.
To access the current forest fire danger rating in your area and an accessible version of this map, visit our interactive fire map.
The interactive fire map provides the forest fire danger rating as calculated by over 130 weather stations across Ontario’s Fire Region.
The map changes throughout the day to reflect up-to-date weather information. Blank areas indicate that there is currently no data for that MNR district.
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- Fire ranger crews, local fire department extinguish forest fire near North Bay
