Forest fires damaged a main power transmission line, cutting power to the communities of Slate Falls, Pickle Lake, Cat Lake, Mishkeegogamang, and the Musselwhite Mine in Northwest Ontario. Hydro One crews have been dispatched to assess the damage, but have not been able to access the site and conduct repairs due to ongoing fire conditions. It may take a week before power can be restored to the estimated 628 affected customers.

Federal officials are working with First Nations communities to respond to any need caused by power disruptions. The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has personnel in affected communities and continues to work with officials to assess any fire and smoke threats. EMO and MNR will continue to monitor the situation. MNR crews are actively fighting many forest fires in the area with ground and air crews.

The 534 most vulnerable residents of Deer Lake First Nation evacuated to Greenstone last week, are not expected to be able to go back for a few more days.

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Update #6 on Deer Lake Evacuation – July 11, 2011 (2:35pm)

The Deer Lake Band Council and Chief are assessing the forest fire and smoke situation in Northwest Ontario along with provincial and federal officials. No decision has yet been made on when Deer Lake residents evacuated to Greenstone may be able to return home.

Weather conditions are likely to increase the number of forest fires in the area over the next few days and they could potentially impact First Nations communities. Already, fires have cut power to the communities of Cat Lake, Slate Falls, Mishkeegogamang and Pickle Lake, as well as the Mussellwhite mine.

Hydro One, provincial and federal authorities are working together to restore the electrical supply.

Update #4 and #5 on Deer Lake Evacuation – July 10, 2011 (4:58pm)

There are now 535 Deer Lake residents registered as evacuees in Greenstone. A few community members who were outside the reserve at the start of the evacuation have rejoined family members at the reception centre in Greenstone. No further evacuations are planned at this time.

EMO continues to work with its First Nations, municipal, provincial and federal partners to ensure the wellbeing of Deer Lake residents now in Greenstone.

Ministry of Natural Resources officials are working closely with First Nations leadership to assess the smoke and forest fires situation in Northwest Ontario. Many fires are still burning and MNR crews has made good progress in controlling the most threatening ones with ground personnel and aircraft.

Weather conditions are helping the MNR’s efforts. The potential date for the return of Deer Lake evacuees back into their community has not yet been determined. The decision will be made by the Chief and Band Council based on advice and information provided by provincial and federal officials