Sandy Lake First Nation has begun evacuating residents as the Red Lake 12 wildfire burns dangerously close—less than two kilometres from the remote Oji-Cree community. First reported on May 28, the fire saw explosive growth on June 6 and 7, reaching over 156,000 hectares, according to Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services.
Chief Delores Kakegamic confirmed that the community is pulling together, focusing first on evacuating its most vulnerable residents. Over 1,000 people have already left via nine flights, with more departures expected.
While Thunder Bay is not hosting evacuees long-term, it is serving as a temporary evacuation hub, helping to coordinate transportation through the Thunder Bay International Airport and nearby hotels.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canadian Armed Forces support for the evacuation. One evacuee, Troy Kakepetum, described a harrowing escape with his family, saying the smoke and proximity of the fire made the situation terrifying.
Construction worker Kirk Hinrichs, part of a crew near Sandy Lake, recounted being surrounded by flames and thick smoke. He and fellow workers initially hid in a shipping container, which later caught fire, forcing them to relocate to a camper before escaping once visibility allowed.
Sigfusson Northern, the company overseeing the crew, confirmed that all 14 of its workers and four others from partner organizations are safe. Aerial suppression continues with helicopters and FireRanger crews on site, though smoke limits visibility.
Other First Nations are also affected. Deer Lake has already evacuated, Keewaywin is preparing to do so, and North Spirit Lake declared a state of emergency. Webequie First Nation evacuated vulnerable residents to Barrie due to the separate Nipigon 5 fire.
Meanwhile, wet weather is expected to aid suppression efforts. Wabaseemoong Independent Nations members, who had been in Niagara Falls since May, have now been cleared to return home.
Swifteradio.com
