THUNDER BAY – Evacuees who fled Red Lake due to a nearby forest fire are heading home.
The last of about 60 residents who were accommodated in Thunder Bay were set to fly back to the community, situated about 500 kilometres to the northwest, early Monday afternoon.
Residents had also found shelter elsewhere in the region, including Dryden, Fort Frances, and Kenora.
Red Lake 49, the fire that menaced the community through much of the last week, is now considered under control by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF). Crews continue to fight hot spots in the interior of the fire.
The province lifted an order barring non-essential travel to the area of the fire, including Red Lake, on Sunday morning.
Red Lake Mayor Fred Mota cautioned services could be lacking for some residents, as the fire caused damage to power lines and other assets on the outskirts of the community. Residents are urged to phone 211 for more information.
