Evacuation notice issued for Mine Centre in NW Ontario due to wildfire threats
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) North West Region is advising residents of Mine Centre to evacuate due to the threat of wildfires.
“Individuals are being advised to avoid approaching the area around Mine Centre at this time. Residents will be notified when it is safe to return home,” the OPP posted on Facebook at 4:19 p.m. CT.
The fire, known as Fort Frances 005, is the largest in the region at 20 hectares. It was reported at 4:19 p.m. CT, the same time the evacuation notice was issued.
Multiple people have reported to CBC News that they have seen waterbombers in the area.
“We are actively responding to several new wildland fires that have been confirmed today in the northwest region under high to extreme fire hazard conditions. Travel may be impacted by fires near roadways. Please stay clear of areas where crews and aircraft are working,” Ontario Forest Fires posted on Facebook shortly before 4 p.m. CT.
This marks the first evacuation notice in the region since the wildfire season began April 1.
Ontario’s interactive forest fire map has listed 12 wildfires in the northwest. Of these, nine are considered not under control, two are being held and one is considered under control. In all, 10 of the fires started on Friday.
Mine Centre is a small, unincorporated community located about 85 kilometres west of Atikokan and 70 kilometres northeast of Fort Frances off of Highway 11. It’s considered a locality within the larger Rainy River District and does not have its own mayor.
Shortly after 3 p.m. CT, the OPP issued a notice urging motorists to avoid driving on Highway 71 north of Highway 11-17 near Fort Frances “due to several fires in the region.”
“Motorists should also avoid the area around Highway 71 and Highway 615. If travel is necessary on other roads, please drive with extreme caution for your safety and the safety of emergency crews working nearby,” the OPP said.
Shortly after the OPP issued its notice, Chapple, Emo and La Vallee Fire and Emergency Services, also in the Rainy River District, made a Facebook post saying the department was battling three wildfires.
“One on Highway 71 near our Chapple North Fire Hall, another on the 615, just east of the Off Lake Church, and a third on Rittau Rd in LaVallee (wrapping up now),” it says. “Along with our own crews, we have requested assistance from the MNRF (Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry), Alberton Fire, and Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls. Morley Fire is also battling their own wildfire.”
“All available resources are being requested and utilized,” says the department.
Forest fire danger ratings vary vastly across the northwest. The most updated ratings can be found on the province’s interactive forest fire map online.
Meanwhile, special weather statements remain in place in much of the region, including the Seine River Village — Mine Centre area, due to strong wind gusts and local blowing dust.
Westerly winds gusting up to between 70 and 80 kilometres an hour are expected to end early this evening, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Thumbnail courtesy of Chapple, Emo and La Vallee Fire and Emergency Services/Facebook via CBC.
The story was originally written by Sarah Law and published for CBC News. It contains files from Amy Hadley.