THUNDER BAY -- Nishnawbe Aski Nation has asked the province of Ontario to call a state of emergency as forest fires continue to threaten more communities.
Fires have led to the evacuation of Poplar Hills First Nation, Pikangikum First Nation and Deer Lake First Nation, as well as Red Lake, with hundreds of residents relocating to other communities, including Thunder Bay. Timmins has been a host community for evacuations in the past. The city has not received any evacuees yet this year. Up to 5,000 people remain to be airlifted from the First Nation communities.
Bearskin Lake, Sachigo Lake and North Spirit Lake are on high alert.
“This situation is worsening by the hour. Three of our communities have been forced to evacuate, and if fire conditions and behaviour continue on current course the potential for full-scale evacuations of several communities is a reality. This is quickly becoming a NAN-wide emergency and requires an immediate, coordinated response,” said Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, in a release issued on Monday night.
“The City of Thunder Bay took quick action declaring a state of emergency over the weekend that has allowed them to accommodate some of the evacuees from our communities, and we are grateful. It is time for the province to do the same so the appropriate personnel, equipment and supports can be mobilized before this situation becomes worse. Lives are at stake, there is no time to waste.”
Fiddler said the state of emergency is necessary to activate a proper response from the province, including the aircraft and watercraft needed to get his people to safety. More than 60 forest fires are currently burning in Northwestern Ontario, including several within kilometres of NAN communities.
