Kasabonika Lake First Nation has started evacuating its most vulnerable residents as nearby wildfires continue to threaten the community, located about 600 kilometres north of Thunder Bay.
Chief Matthias Anderson said dozens of people have already been flown out, with hundreds more expected to leave. The first phase includes elders, families with young children and people with medical conditions.
Evacuees are travelling through Thunder Bay before being flown to the Toronto area, where they will receive housing, health care and other support.
Anderson said the community is surrounded by several wildfires, with heavy smoke coming from a large fire to the southeast. Fire crews have installed sprinklers around homes and other important buildings to help protect them.
Officials are also working to set up temporary care for pets left behind. In Thunder Bay, evacuees will receive meals and assistance before continuing their journey to Toronto, with support from the Canadian Red Cross.
