RED LAKE, Ont. — As a forest fire continues to burn on the outskirts of Red Lake, the evacuation of the municipality of 4,100 continues.
Municipal officials say air transportation to other communities in the region is being arranged for vulnerable residents or those unable to leave on their own by vehicle.
The municipality issued a statement Tuesday morning saying Highway 105, which links Red Lake to Highway 17, could be compromised by the fire by noon.
OPP on Monday evening announced Highway 618 in Madsen was closed to east- and west-bound traffic as a result of the fire.
Video posted to Facebook by Paul Andersen showed how close the fire was to the road as people drove to safety.
Municipal officials have asked residents needing assistance to call 727-7106.
Individuals travelling by vehicle are asked to check in at the Ear Falls municipal office and/or the Dryden Memorial Arena.
Beds have been made available in the Dryden arena, and efforts are being made to secure other refuge locations in Kenora, Ignace and Fort Frances.
Red Lake fire 49 quickly grew from five hectares late Monday afternoon to more than 400 hectares by the evening. Its origin is about two kilometres northeast of Madsen.
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry waterbombers attacked the flames from the air but reportedly had difficulty with windy conditions.
Municipal officials are working with the MNRF, OPP, and the Emergency Management Ontario Provincial Operations Centre.
Thunder Bay Mayor Bill Mauro said he would be meeting Tuesday with city officials to discuss what the city might be able to do to assist Red Lake.
