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Fund launched to support Pikangikum fire evacuees in Thunder Bay

'Citizens are concerned and looking to support,' says Thunder Bay Community Foundation.
Red 40 July 14
Red Lake fire 40, near Nungesser Lake, has burned 30,212 hectares (MNRF photo)

THUNDER BAY — A fundraising drive is underway to help support the nearly 1,000 people who have travelled to Thunder Bay from Pikangikum First Nation because of a nearby forest fire.

The Thunder Bay Community Foundation is starting the Thunder Bay Good Neighbour Fund after being approached by local businesses interested in supporting evacuees.

Thunder Bay Broom and Chemicals Ltd. has already donated $5,000, with a similar amount coming from the Toronto community Foundation.

Brent Massaro, president of Thunder Bay Broom and Chemicals, challenged other businesses to participate.

In an announcement Monday, the TBCF said it will direct donations to address "the immediate needs" of evacuees in partnership with the leadership of Pikangikum First Nation and the Independent First Nations Alliance.

It said the steering committee for the Good Neighbour Fund will make all decisions regarding disbursements.

"We're launching this with just $10,000 so we don't have all the answers. Citizens of Thunder Bay are concerned and looking to support those impacted by this crisis," said Mike Larizza, the foundation's vice-president.

Donations can be made at the foundation's office at 101 North Syndicate Avenue or online.

So far, it's estimated that approximately three-quarters of the population of about 4,000 has been relocated to Thunder Bay and other communities since July 6.

Reports on Monday indicated that additional evacuations have been put on hold, and that the situation on the fire front has improved.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry said the area burned by Red Lake Fire 39 was remapped to about 447 square kilometres, 60 square kilometres smaller than previous estimates.

Firefighters, however, continue to establish those lines along the perimeter and to extinguish hot spots.  

Sprinkler systems also remain in place on buildings.

The fire remains listed as not under control, as are six other fires in northwestern Ontario.

Red Lake Fire 40, near Nungesser Lake, has burned more than 30,000 hectares, but MNRF said recent rainfall has assisted suppression efforts.

In most parts of the northwest region, the fire danger rating is currently low to moderate, with some pockets of high hazard.




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