RED LAKE, Ont. -- The people of Red Lake, Ont. are free to return home.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry on Sunday rescinded the evacuation order that forced residents of the Northern Ontario community to flee, after heavy rain helped contain an out-of-control forest fire that threatened the town.
The order restricting access to Red Lake was rescinded at 7 a.m. on Sunday, according to a post to the community's official Facebook page.
Mayor Fred Mota urged caution as residents begin to return to their homes and businesses.
“These have been very difficult times for all of us. I cannot express enough how important it is for our residents to take their time, abide by the provincial mandated speed limits, and travel with caution as you make your way back to your homes,” Mota said in the post.
Residents with questions are urged to phone 211 and are forewarned that not all services will be up and running.
Enbridge has advised community leaders it may take up to five days to restore natural gas service. Bell's fibre optic service is not available due to damage from Red Lake 49, the fire that led to the evacuation order.
The Red Lake Margaret Cochenour Hospital will remain in use for emergencies only until natural gas service is restored.
“The hospital requests that families of inpatients please contact the hospital at 807-727-3811 to discuss repatriation of their loved ones. It is essential to make telephone contact, prior to the patient’s return to the hospital,” the release reads.
