NORTHWEST ONTARIO FIRES AND EVACUATIONS
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UPDATE #12 AND #13NORTHWEST ONTARIO FIRES AND EVACUATIONS
Smoke caused by numerous forest fires continues to cause concerns in many First Nations communities in the Northwest. First Nations officials in Cat Lake and Keewaywin have decided to evacuate their most vulnerable residents.
248 of the most vulnerable residents of Cat Lake have been evacuated to Kapuskasing (140) and Mattachewan First Nation (108) because of ongoing issues caused by the smoke and in the aftermath of an earlier power outage caused by the fires.
Smoke which intermittently drifts into the community, has led the leadership of Keewaywin First Nation to evacuate approximately 172 of their most vulnerable residents to Greenstone, more than 600 kilometres to the southeast. This operation should be completed by the evening of July 17.
First Nations leaders in Sandy Lake, Eabametoong and and North Spirit Lake have also requested the evacuation of some of their most vulnerable residents. Federal and provincial officials are collaborating with them to safely transport these residents out.
The evacuation of 281 vulnerable residents of Eabametoong First Nations is underway. They are being flown to Greenstone on Canadian Forces aircraft. The airlift will be completed overnight.
Fire conditions are likely to deteriorate further and EMO, MNR and First Nations are monitoring the fire and smoke situation to be able to respond to any further need.
- Map of the current forest fire situation in Ontario.
Update #11
Evacuations and power outages caused by forest fires in Northwestern Ontario – July 16, 2011 (5:19pm)
Numerous forest fires still burn in Northwest Ontario and smoke continues to cause concerns in many First Nations communities. The Ministry of Natural Resources is actively fighting many of these fires and is coordinating with First Nations officials to assess the risks posed by smoke and fire.
Hydro One has restored power to Pickle Lake, and the Mishkeegogamang and Slate Falls First Nations. It is expected that power will be restored to Cat Lake First Nation this evening.
Federal, provincial and local officials are working together to address situations caused by the power outage of this week. Sanitation, food spoilage and supply issues persist in some communities.
248 of the most vulnerable residents of Cat Lake have been evacuated to Kapuskasing (140) and Mattachewan First Nation (108) in the aftermath of the power outage and due to ongoing concerns brought about by the smoke caused by the forest fires in the region.
On a more positive note, all the residents that were evacuated to Greenstone, have now returned home.
- Visit the Ontario Newsroom
- Read more about the current forest fire situation in Ontario
Visit at www.EmergencyManagementOntario.ca
Smoke caused by numerous forest fires continues to cause concerns in many First Nations communities in the Northwest. First Nations officials in Cat Lake and Keewaywin have decided to evacuate their most vulnerable residents.
