Evacuation complete, 530 Deer Lake residents sent to Greenstone

The province has completed the evacuation of an area First Nation community.

Officials with the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services announced Friday afternoon that 530 Deer Lake residents have been safely evacuated from their community, which is now threatened by nearby forest fires.

Forest fires have been burning as close as 3.5 kilometres away from the remote, far north community.

At the request of Deer Lake First Nation leadership, the province and its municipal and federal partners co-ordinated the air evacuation. Residents were sent to Greenstone, which is about 615 kilometres away from their homes.

“The Canadian Forces responded to the request of help with professionalism and efficiency,” said Jim Bradley, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. “They were vital to evacuating Deer Lake residents quickly and safely.”

Emergency Management Ontario, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Canadian Forces worked together to carry out the evacuation.

“I am impressed with the dedication and professionalism displayed by all military, federal, provincial and local personnel involved in this important mission,” said Canada Command Lt.-Gen. Walter Semianiw.

Seven Deer Lake residents were also evacuated from their homes by ORNGE air ambulances.
Sandy Lake, Cat Lake, North Spirit Lake and Keewaywin are also impacted by the forest fires in the area.

Emergency Management Ontario, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Canadian Forces worked together to carry out the evacuation.