‘With all the variables, we would much rather err on the side of caution instead of reacting to whatever the circumstances will be in a worst-case scenario,’ says chief
About 200 individuals from Mattagami First Nation are being evacuated – with some heading to Simcoe County – as a wildfire burns out of control west of their community.
Chief Jennifer Constant mentioned that the evacuation decision was made on Tuesday after officials considered weather forecasts, fire activity, and updates from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).
“The winds have been in our favour and we’ve been fortunate since Sunday that the wind has been going south to southeast,” Constant stated.
“With our last update yesterday evening at about five, we recognized that the winds are expected to shift and be heading directly towards us, and that the temperature today is going to be a bit volatile,” she added.
Mattagami First Nation is located roughly 100 kilometres south of Timmins.
The Timmins 9 wildfire, which ignited on Sunday, May 31, has expanded rapidly in recent days to about 460 hectares, equivalent to around 859 football fields.
The MNR reports that the fire is situated about 10 kilometres north of Gogama, eight kilometres west of Highway 144, and 14 kilometres west of Mattagami First Nation. The situation remains out of control.
A new fire, Timmins 10, was reported northwest of it on Tuesday. It’s located east of Kasasway Lake and was last measured at 1.5 hectares. It’s still classified as not under control.
Given how quickly Timmins 9 has spread, this new blaze raises concerns among leaders.
“With all the variables, we would much rather err on the side of caution instead of reacting to whatever the circumstances will be in a worst-case scenario,” said Constant.
This week, community officials began asking residents to pack emergency bags and gather their medications while final arrangements were put in place.
The initial evacuation plan included approximately 64 vulnerable residents such as elders, those with health issues, pregnant women, families with young children, and individuals facing mobility challenges.
Two buses were put on standby earlier this week with a third expected to assist with transportation. Residents are being moved to Barrie where community leaders are arranging housing and support services.
A frequent concern voiced by residents was regarding their pets during this process.
Constant noted that organizations like the Ontario SPCA have stepped up to help.
“ The No.1 concern they were expressing , obviously aside from their property and their safety , was for their pets.” She explained. “We’ve been working with Ontario SPCA , and they’ve said they will meet us at the location and have everything that we need.” Not everyone is participating in this organized evacuation though. Constant mentioned that some residents signed waivers opting to stay with family elsewhere. However , if flames come within five kilometres of Mattagami First Nation , emergency workers along with volunteers remaining in town must also evacuate. The last complete wildfire evacuation for Mattagami First Nation took place in2012 when people had to leave for over a week due another significant forest fire called Timmins9. Despite uncertainty surrounding current events , Constant expressed gratitude for how both residentsand partners have come together during this time. “We’re very appreciativeof allofthe differentcommunity partners whohave reachedout or whohave shownsupporttoourcommunityduringthis time,” she remarked. She also extended thanks tothepeople assistingwith organizingtheevacuation. “We’re extremely proudofourcrisis team , ourfire department, and allofthevolunteerswhoarein Mattagami , whoreallystandupanddo sucha wonderful jobgivenallcircumstances.” You can findthe MNR’s daily forestfireupdate here. There’salsoaninteractivefiremaphere.
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“ The No.1 concern they were expressing , obviously aside from their property and their safety , was for their pets.” She explained. “We’ve been working with Ontario SPCA , and they’ve said they will meet us at the location and have everything that we need.” Not everyone is participating in this organized evacuation though. Constant mentioned that some residents signed waivers opting to stay with family elsewhere. However , if flames come within five kilometres of Mattagami First Nation , emergency workers along with volunteers remaining in town must also evacuate. The last complete wildfire evacuation for Mattagami First Nation took place in2012 when people had to leave for over a week due another significant forest fire called Timmins9. Despite uncertainty surrounding current events , Constant expressed gratitude for how both residentsand partners have come together during this time. “We’re very appreciativeof allofthe differentcommunity partners whohave reachedout or whohave shownsupporttoourcommunityduringthis time,” she remarked. She also extended thanks tothepeople assistingwith organizingtheevacuation. “We’re extremely proudofourcrisis team , ourfire department, and allofthevolunteerswhoarein Mattagami , whoreallystandupanddo sucha wonderful jobgivenallcircumstances.” You can findthe MNR’s daily forestfireupdate here. There’salsoaninteractivefiremaphere.
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