Members of the Mattagami First Nation are making their way back home on Monday.
Over 160 residents had to leave due to a forest fire close to the community, situated north of Gogama, which began on June 3.
The fire was out of control and burned about seven kilometres from the community, spreading across more than 3,300 hectares.
“The fire is no longer out of control, it’s being considered held,” said Chief Jennifer Constant in a posting on social media.
Evacuees had been staying in Barrie while firefighting teams worked on creating fire breaks around the First Nation and fighting against the flames.
The road from Highway 144 to the community will open at 10 a. m. Monday for band members, but it won’t be available to the public until 6 p. m.
Mattagami Fire Chief Curtis Fowler mentioned that crews from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources will remain active in the area for at least another week and advised people to avoid the community fire hall while they are working there.
Fowler noted that First Nation’s fire crews will assist on Monday and Tuesday where needed before returning to their regular duties afterward.
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