The City of Thunder Bay is supporting an emergency evacuation of Sandy Lake First Nation due to an active forest fire in the region. The Red Lake 12 fire is now within 6 km of the community and is producing heavy smoke and reducing visibility.

As of Saturday afternoon, an evacuation order was issued for all residents of Sandy Lake. Evacuees are being transported by Canadian Forces Hercules aircraft to Thunder Bay. The city is serving as a hybrid evacuation hub – providing evacuees with a place to rest safely before continuing on to longer-term accommodations in Southern Ontario.

Aircraft will be arriving and departing throughout the day. The airport is currently the main coordination site for arrivals and onward travel, and a private transportation company is managing local short-term accommodations.

The City of Thunder Bay is currently in a standby role, prepared to step in with additional support, including shelter and transportation, if and when needed. Additional northern communities may also require evacuation in the coming days, and the City remains ready to assist.

“These are extraordinary circumstances, and we are doing everything possible to support the safe arrival and temporary accommodation of Sandy Lake residents,” said Mayor Ken Boshcoff. “We thank our partners, staff, and local service providers who have stepped up quickly to assist in this response with compassion and care. It’s in moments like these where the spirit of Northern Ontario and our commitment to one another reflected in the way we respond."

Weather conditions are expected to improve over the next 24 hours, with cooler, wetter conditions providing some relief for firefighting efforts.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

- 30 –

Contact:            Stephanie Reid, Acting Supervisor, Corporate Communications – 807-621-4151, stephanie.reid@thunderbay.ca