Several communities in northwestern Ontario are currently providing shelter for individuals evacuated due to wildland fires.
Thunder Bay, Kenora, Fort Frances, Lac Seul, Red Lake, and Sioux Lookout are among those offering temporary housing.
Additionally, some evacuees are being accommodated in Sudbury, Niagara Falls, and Toronto.
Emergency Preparedness Minister Jill Dunlop mentioned that there’s been interest from other areas willing to assist with housing evacuees.
“We are looking at some northern communities, Niagara Falls as well,” says Dunlop
“We have communities coming to us, their hand up, offering to help out. Again, (we are) doing some investigation. I thank those communities for doing that, but we want to ensure that adequate care and supports are there for people during that time.”
Dunlop indicated that the stay for many might extend beyond just a few days and could last several months before some can return home.
“We want to ensure that the services are there and those people are supported during that difficult time,” adds Dunlop.
However, Dunlop was unable to provide specific numbers on how many people have been evacuated or how many each community is currently hosting.
Thunder Bay is accommodating numerous residents who were evacuated from the Collins, Armstrong, and Whitesands First Nation regions.
Dunlop stated an evacuation centre has been established with support from Ontario Corps. partners like the Canadian Red Cross and Global Medic to meet the needs of evacuees.
“We also have Ontario 211, which is now set up as an information line so folks who are wanting to know where the evacuation centres are or any additional support information they need can contact 211 as well.”
Currently, ten communities have either undergone evacuations or are in the process of evacuating residents.
Four more communities have received warnings to prepare for potential evacuations.
Randy Thoms is a veteran news broadcaster with over 40 years’ experience. He is based in Fort Frances and covers stories across northwestern Ontario. Contact Randy at thoms. randy@radioabl. ca.
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