Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the Canadian Armed Forces are being deployed to assist with evacuations in northern Ontario as wildfires continue to spread. The federal government has responded to an urgent request from Ontario to provide support around the Sandy Lake First Nation, where the situation has become critical.
As of Saturday night, the Red Lake 12 wildfire, located near Deer Lake First Nation, has grown to over 1,500 square kilometers and is classified as out of control. This wildfire poses a significant threat to the Sandy Lake First Nation, prompting officials to initiate a phase one evacuation of residents. Air transport will be utilized for evacuations, with boats on standby if necessary.
In a social media post on Sunday, Carney emphasized the government's commitment to those affected by the wildfires. "To everyone who’s been impacted by these fires: we’re here for you. We’re prepared to mobilize every resource needed to keep Canadians safe," he stated.
The Ontario government has confirmed that Deer Lake First Nation is currently evacuated and is being protected by fire rangers. The military's involvement includes emergency airlift operations to ensure the safe evacuation of residents.
The wildfire crisis is not limited to Ontario. In Saskatchewan and Manitoba, over 30,000 people have been displaced due to raging wildfires. Both provinces have declared states of emergency, with military support already aiding evacuations in remote communities in Manitoba. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe reported that more than 10,000 individuals have been forced to flee their homes, and the RCMP have laid arson charges in connection with two separate fire incidents.
In Manitoba, full evacuations have been ordered in the communities of Flin Flon and Snow Lake, contributing to a total of 19,000 evacuees in the province. The federal government continues to monitor the situation closely and is prepared to provide additional resources as needed.