Firefighters continue to battle Fort Frances 47 – a 407 hectare forest fire burning three kilometres north of Naicatchewenin First Nation.
As of last night, 21 crews had been dispatched to the blaze, which is displaying largely smouldering activity. Although the community isn’t in any danger, and no evacuations have been imposed, 86 community members with high risk health factors voluntarily evacuated due to poor air quality, with one admitted to a Riverside facility, according to a press release issued by Naicatchewenin First Nation over the weekend. The majority have been housed at the Super8 hotel in Fort Frances, with support from Tribal Health and GHAC. Band staff is on site to provide meals and other supports to the evacuated community members, and the band office is being staffed 24 hours a day, to provide a continuous line of communication until the emergency has passed.
For those who remained in the community, Treaty 3 is working to provide air purification units. Those with low health risks have no concerns at this time, according to the release.
The Town of Fort Frances Emergency Management Control Group have expressed their support for evacuees.
“Our Emergency Management team will continue to work together with Naicatchewenin First
Nation Chief and Council to ensure that the community members that have had to be evacuated are provided a safe and comfortable environment while they are here,” stated a Town of Fort Frances release.
A travel restriction remains in place for the region of the fire. All travel on Northwest Bay Road outside of Naicatchewenin First Nation, including West Spencer Road, Woody Road, Alex Road, and Kaiarskon South Road is restricted. This includes Charles Road south of the kilometre marker 24 and all branch roads associated with the previously identified road networks. All use or occupation of Crown lands, on or within 500 metres of the identified roads, is prohibited. For information on how to obtain a travel permit call 807-271-0216.
There are currently 48 active fires in the region, including 11 new fires yesterday. The fire risk is low in the eastern end of the region, with high risk to the west.
