As wildfires continue to pose a threat to First Nations in northwestern Ontario, the community of Pikangikum is grappling with a widespread power outage. Pikangikum First Nation band councillor, Deedre Peters, shared on Facebook that the remote Ojibway community has been without electricity for over 24 hours.
Simultaneously, a fire named Red Lake 62 has necessitated the evacuation of the most vulnerable residents of Pikangikum. This wildfire, exceeding 31,000 hectares in size as of Sunday, remains uncontained. Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources issued an implementation order for the Red Lake 62 area on Saturday, imposing travel restrictions and limiting the use of certain lakes and roads.
The Ontario Provincial Police reported that more than 2,000 individuals from Pikangikum were identified for evacuation starting on Saturday. Approximately 240 people were scheduled to be airlifted out on Sunday, with further evacuation decisions pending instructions from the community’s chief.
Ben Curtis from the OPP Northwest Region stated that the evacuation process is still in its early phases. Evacuees have been transported to Thunder Bay and Sioux Lookout thus far, with potential relocation plans to Toronto and Mississauga based on ongoing fire assessments.
The Independent First Nations Alliance (IFNA) personnel were observed aiding Pikangikum members at the Thunder Bay International Airport. However, no comments were available at the time.
Pikangikum, home to 3,500 to 4,000 residents, is situated in Treaty 5 over 500 kilometers northwest of Thunder Bay, making it one of the largest remote communities in the area. The community’s nursing station is operational on generator power without air conditioning, hindering full functionality. Critical facilities like elders’ complexes are grappling with power shortages and overheating issues, leading to food spoilage from freezer malfunctions.
As Pikangikum faces food and fuel shortages, with several patients awaiting medical evacuation, Peters highlighted that residents are struggling due to the heat, outages, and uncertainty. Power restoration is anticipated by Sunday evening, while telecommunication repairs are slated to commence on July 21.
Authorities reported that the fire is moving away from Pikangikum due to favorable wind conditions, allowing crews to establish firebreaks for community protection. Efforts are underway to restore power to the region.
The proximity of the fire to Pikangikum currently remains uncertain. CBC News has sought information from Ontario’s Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response, awaiting an official statement via email.
Continuing air quality statements are issued across northwestern Ontario due to wildfire smoke, including Thunder Bay. The persistence of poor air quality is expected to improve by Monday, with symptoms including eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, or a mild cough. Outdoor activities should be limited, and medical attention sought if experiencing symptoms. Keeping windows and doors closed indoors is advised to prevent smoke infiltration.
For updates on air quality and wildfires, Environment and Climate Change Canada’s website and the province’s interactive forest fire map are recommended resources.
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