-UPDATE #3- OPP ASSISTING WITH MULTIPLE WILDFIRES IN THE NORTH WEST REGION - Do Not Travel to Areas Under Mandatory Evacuation
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-UPDATE #3- OPP ASSISTING WITH MULTIPLE WILDFIRES IN THE NORTH WEST REGION
Do Not Travel to Areas Under Mandatory Evacuation
(THUNDER BAY, ON) - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is assisting the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) with evacuation efforts in several northwestern Ontario communities as ongoing wildfires continue to threaten affected areas.
Evacuation efforts are currently ongoing in Armstrong, Whitesand First Nation, Collins First Nation, Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation (Lac La Croix First Nation) and surrounding area, and Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation and surrounding area. Individuals living in areas under mandatory evacuation orders have been asked to leave their residence immediately and seek safety away from active fires. Other communities are being monitored, and residents are urged to stay informed and be prepared to act quickly should further evacuation orders or advisories be issued. Additional information will be issued as it becomes available.
In the interest of safety, the OPP strongly advises the public not to travel to areas under mandatory evacuation due to the wildfires.
The following highways are fully closed in both directions, with the exception of some local traffic evacuating the area:
- Highway 599 - between Highway 516 and Mishkeegogamang First Nation
- Highway 527 - at Gull Bay First Nation
The OPP is also advising drivers in the area to exercise caution, as smoky conditions have significantly reduced visibility on local highways.
When it is safe to return, the OPP and our emergency response partners will notify the public. Until then, please stay away from evacuated areas to help keep everyone safe and allow emergency crews to focus on the response.
The OPP North West Region Headquarters has deployed Aviation Services, the Emergency Response Team, the Provincial Liaison Team and Operational Support teams to support the MNR and communities affected by the ongoing wildfires. Working closely with community and policing partners, officers are assisting with evacuations, enforcing road closures and helping to ensure public safety in impacted areas.
For their safety and the safety of emergency responders, members of the public and media are strongly urged to:
- Stay away from affected areas and refrain from attending wildfire scenes to take photos or videos
- Remain calm and follow all evacuation orders and emergency instructions issued by local authorities
- Avoid non-essential travel in affected areas
- Monitor official sources for the latest information and evacuation updates
- Remain away from evacuated areas until authorities have advised it is safe to return
- Help keep roadways clear so emergency personnel can carry out their work safely and effectively
- If evacuating, bring essential medications, identification, important documents, mobile devices and chargers, and any items required to support the needs of family members and pets
SOURCES OF OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Media and the public seeking information on the fire suppression and management efforts should visit www.ontario.ca/page/forest-fires . For information on the coordinated emergency response, contact the affected municipalities.