Evacuations Continue; Plea Made for Help

Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy is asking the Provincial and Federal Governments to commit all available emergency resources to help First Nations threatened by forest fires.
Beardy wants Ottawa to ensure that enough aircraft are available to evacuate the communities at a moment’s notice.
More than 115 forest fires are raging across Northwestern Ontario, and Beardy says thousands of residents are in immediate danger from the growing flames and dense smoke.
Sandy Lake First Nation has ordered a total evacuation with residents in Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay and other communities.
As many as 200 residents of Keewaywin First Nation were evacuated to Winnipeg on Monday evening after 197 residents were evacuated Sunday.
76-residents of Cat Lake First Nation have been evacuated to Dryden and 170 residents of North Spirit Lake First Nation have been evacuated to Greenstone.
230 residents of Kingfisher Lake First Nation are on standby for evacuation.
50-evacuees from New Osnaburgh First Nation are in Sioux Lookout.
A total of 4,600 people have already been evacuated and more are expected in the coming days.
Beardy is also asking the Province to declare a state of emergency so that all necessary resources can be directed to protect the health and safety of the residents of the effected communities.
The forest fire situation has communities scrambling to find accommodation for thousands of people who may have to be evacuated.
Thunder Bay wants Queen’s Park to get involved in the evacuation and help with the temporary housing needed for up to 7-thousand evacuees.
Timmins and Sudbury have agreed to take in evacuees.