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Wabaseemoong On Standby For Evacuation

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The Wabaseemoong First Nation is on standby for evacuation because of a wildfire.

Kenora Fire #51 is now listed at over 171 thousand hectares in size.

The chief of the First Nation, Waylon Scott says fire could jump the lake by Tuesday.

The MNRF Says the blaze is about 20 kilometres north of the community and smoke from the forest fire is flowing into Kenora and the surrounding areas.

Chief Scott says they will have 12 to 24 hours for a grace period to fully evacuate the community.

There are four new fires in the region today and 110 active forest fires.

The MNRF says it’s continuing to fight Kenora Fire #51…

  • Helicopters with buckets and water bombing airplanes are being used to slow the fire.
  • Ignition crews are ready to bring the fire to natural boundaries when the weather is favorable and bulldozer lines may be used to further access and contain the fire.
  • Fire guard has been completed on south end.
  • Crews working to protect community values and critical infrastructure.
  • An Incident Management Team is established on the fire.
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Evacuees Out, Work Continues On Neskantaga First Nation

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There will be an inspection of the water treatment plant on Neskantaga First Nation.

While evacuees are in Thunder Bay, officials are trying to figure out what caused an oily sheen, which was discovered last week in the community’s water supply.

The initial results revealed high levels of hydrocarbons.

Indigenous Services Canada has indicated it will provide funding for evacuation efforts, however, Minister Marc Miller hasn’t put a specific number on it.

The minister notes the federal government is funding $16.44 million for a new water treatment plant and upgrades to the water distribution and wastewater collection systems.

It’s not clear how long evacuees will remain in Thunder Bay.

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Vermilion Bay Lions Supporting Fire Evacuees

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The Vermilion Bay Lions Club has mobilized to support Red Lake fire evacuees.

Food hampers are now available, which will provide displaced residents staying in the Machin area with the basic needs for a couple of days.

If you need a hamper contact Veronica Le Ray at 647-289-9230 or 807-227-5246.

The Lions Club is also donating clothing and arranging items for those in need.

For more information contact the Municipal Office at 227-2633.

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Red Lake Fire/Evacuation Response “Awesome”

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The Red Lake forest fire happened extremely quickly and residents had little time to react.

That’s the feeling of resident Terri Hamilton who was one of thousands who fled the community late Monday.

Hamilton saw the fire grow while working at the Evolution mine site.

“The winds that day were so crazy. I never thought it would happen because I thought it would be safer, where we seen the fire going, I thought it would be safer if we were there. I guess with that wind and things changing they felt it safer if we left.”

Hamilton notes “About 9:15 that they wanted everybody to evacuate that night. Got everything together, packed up what we could, and I was able to do it within, just before 10:00, so I thought that was pretty good, you know a half hour to get everybody all packed.”

Hamilton says she was able to get her three cats and one dog as well as family to safety.

In terms of the response to the emergency by municipal officials in Red Lake.

“Very well organized. There was no panic. Everybody was patient waiting in line because it took almost two, two-and-a-half hours just to get to Ear Falls, which normally is about a 30-45 minute drive.”

Hamilton adds “It was well organized. Everybody did their job. The Ear Falls Fire Department, they were taking names and keeping things going in Ear Falls. And then all of the volunteers in the Red Lake area. It was awesome!”

Hamilton say it almost seemed like everyone had practice but didn’t.

She is thanking all volunteers, community members and CKDR for their work during the emergency.

“There’s some people that are staying behind that are offering support, like checking on pets, because there were some people that didn’t take their pet. So there going around feeding them, checking on them, which is very appreciated. Just keeping us up to date.”

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Fort Hope Forest Fire Continues To Burn

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Fort Hope First Nation remains on high alert due to an out of control forest fire 38 kilometres southwest of the remote northern community.

The blaze is now mapped at 3,603 hectares in size.

Smoke is causing air quality concerns and band officials have decided to evacuate vulnerable members of the First Nation and are considering further options.

Seven crews are currently committed to Nipigon Fire 45.

A Type 2 Incident Management Team has been assigned to the fire.

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City Manager/Local MPP Proud Of Dryden Response

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Dryden City Manager Roger Nesbitt says he’s extremely proud of the community and his staff for their response to host Red Lake fire evacuees.

The municipality is one of many across the region welcoming displaced residents with open arms.

Nesbitt says as of early Wednesday 400 people from Red Lake had signed-in.

Nesbitt stresses many businesses, organizations and private citizens have offered and made donations.”

He says the entire community has been absolutely fantastic and stepped up to provide items evacuees and the municipality require.

Nesbitt adds the City is working closely with the Canadian Red Cross to secure equipment that’s required at the shelter.

There are 100 cots currently available at the Memorial Arena.

He says ‘We’re very, very concerned for Red Lake residents and their safety. So being able to jump right in and provide the evacuation registration and temporary shelter that we’ve been able to do in Dryden, that’s a very positive thing.”

Nesbitt states they will continue to be here for Red Lake and its residents.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP and Northern Development and Mines Minister Greg Rickford toured the evacuation centre on Wednesday and met with volunteers and those impacted by the forest fire evacuation.

Rickford also delivered Personal Protection Equipment and received an update from first responders.

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Forest Fire Inching Closer To Red Lake

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The Mayor of Red Lake stresses this is going to be a very difficult day for the community.

Fred Mota says Red Lake Fire 49 is now burning 2.5-kilometres away from the community and they are experiencing heavy smoke.

“The winds have changed from the west to the southeast which means the fire has turned direction and is burning towards the community. In more particular areas, the geographic’s of Red Lake, it’s burning towards Madsen and the far end of Red Lake which is known as Buffalo.”

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has been able to protect hydro lines.

Mota is strongly urging residents to follow an evacuation order.

“We have a plane on standby in Red Lake that’s able to transport 115 residents per trip. Our municipal staff is working very, very hard and are out their door knocking right now to check on people, especially vulnerable people, to see if they are changing their mind in leaving the community.”

Mota can’t say how many residents remain in the Red Lake area but notes several have decided to stay at home.

Northbound traffic on Highway 105 is not being allowed but motorists can still leave the community.

“I’m very thankful for all of our municipal staff, the MNRF, all our community organizations including the OPP. It’s going to be a difficult day for Red Lake but we have faith in our MNRF crews and their doing a fantastic job.”

At 10:10 Red Lake Fire #49 was mapped at 750 hectares in size.

To hear more from Fred Mota, visit the Audio link below.

(Photo Credit: Mandy Lee Facebook)

 

https://www.facebook.com/chantal.d.fitzpatrick/videos/10164120847645456/

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Fire Could Cause Fort Hope Evacuation

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Fort Hope First Nation is declaring a State of Emergency because of a forest fire burning out of control west of the community.

While there is no immediate threat of fire, officials are concerned about smoke drifting into the area.

The community has announced they will start sending their most vulnerable people to safety, including elders, children, and people with certain medical conditions. A full evacuation is being considered.

It’s not yet known where the displaced residents will be housed.

Nipigon Fire 045 started Sunday afternoon and is listed at over 36 hundred hectares and not under control. Fire crews and water bombers are working the fire.

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NOMA Calling For First Nations Evacuation Plan

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The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association has concerns about possible First Nations evacuations with the upcoming spring thaw and forest fire season.

The organization has sent a letter to Minister Greg Rickford and Minister Sylvia Jones asking for a plan in the wake of the on-going COVID-19 crisis.

President Wendy Landry says area Municipalities aren’t equipped right now to host displaced residents.

“Our facilities are all closed. Our municipal offices are closed. The arenas, the libraries, all of those public places are closed. Public parks are closed.”

Landry says ensuring the safety and well-being of evacuees is their first priority.

However, she stresses “Those who continue to work are focused on essential service delivery and activities associated with continuity of governance and business operations. There is no capacity to deal with the heavy workload of emergency management normally carried out by host community staff.”

Landry adds she’s extremely worried about the impact of an evacuation and the spread of the coronavirus into remote communities without medical resources available.

NOMA has suggested setting up temporary or portable housing and facilities in serviced Provincial Parks.

Landry says they plan to meet with both levels of senior government to develop a strategy.

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Canada To Evacuate Citizens From China

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Canadians in the epicentre of the coronavirus in Wuhan, China are being evacuated but the plane remains in Vietnam and doesn’t yet have clearance from Chinese officials to land.

Airspace surrounding Wuhan is closed amid hundreds of deaths from the virus which originated in the city in December.

Federal health minister Patty Hadju says China will not allow anyone to board that plane if they have symptoms of the virus.

“This is actually part of China’s extensive effort to contain the spread of disease. They have been resolute on this with all countries. So I think we have to be prepared to understand that’s not going to be a flexible point for discussion.”

Several hundred Canadians are in Wuhan wanting to leave and federal officials say a second plane is ready if needed.

Once Canadian evacuees return home, they will be quarantined for two weeks at CFB Trenton, Ontario as a precaution.

Four coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Canada – three in Ontario and one in British Columbia.

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