Aerial photos show devastation of Ontario First Nation as wildfires burn across north

By Kathryn Mannie Aerial photographs taken above Namaygoosisagagun First Nation show the devastation wrought by a fast-moving wildfire that forced residents to flee last week as flames closed in on their northern Ontario community. The photos show scorched earth and debris where buildings once stood, and the charred remnants of trees. Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige said last week that more than 30 homes, a school and community centres were reduced to ashes as Namaygoosisagagun, also known as Collins First Nation, was swallowed by fire. The residents fled without help from the province. Dramatic photos and videos of their evacuation showed people escaping on boats as a huge wall of smoke and flames rose behind them. “My members barely escaped with the clothes on their backs. My community…

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