WABASEEMOONG INDEPENDENT NATIONS, Ont. — Some residents of Wabaseemoong Independent Nations, 120 kilometres northwest of Kenora, will be taken to safety because of a forest fire burning north of the community.
Kenora fire # 51 has consumed 192,000 hectares, and provincial officials say it continues to burn about 20 kilometres north of Wabaseemoong, on the north side of Umfreville Lake.
Wabaseemoong's leadership says the fire is only 12 kilometres away.
According to the most recent report from Ontario's Aviation, Forest Fires and Emergency Services agency, the fire has not yet "spotted" to the south side of Umfreville Lake, which would put the community at greater risk.
But because of smoke from fires, a special air quality statement is in effect for the Kenora area including Wabaseemoong.
Environment Canada issued the statement due to high levels of air pollution which could include chemicals that are harmful to human health.
On Wednesday afternoon, a spokesperson for the Ministry of the Solicitor General said evacuation flights were expected to begin later in the day, and that a number of locations would host evacuees.
Wabaseemoong Chief Waylon Scott said the evacuation plan has multiple stages, starting with the vulnerable population and people with underlying health conditions, then for the community as a whole.
Scott said spaces have been found in Kenora, Dryden, Manitoba and other spots in Ontario in the event a full-scale evacuation is required.
He expressed thanks to the multiple organizations and staff who he said have helped the community plan for the evacuation, including addressing health, transportation and lodging needs.
NOTE: This story has been updated to include additional information provided by Wabaseemoong Independent Nations concerning preparations for the evacuation
