Calls for better emergency infrastructure in Ontario's north after 3 children die in Sandy Lake house fire

Three children died in a house fire in Sandy Lake First Nation in Ontario last week, prompting calls for action and not just "more talk" when it comes to getting northern communities the firefighting resources they need.

The NDP member of provincial parliament (MPP) for Kiiwetinoong was among those who spoke to CBC on Monday. The fire in the community about 600 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay began late Thursday, and claimed the lives of children aged 4, 6 and 9.

"It's really sad," Sol Mamakwa said. "You cannot help but cry with the the community of Sandy Lake."

Mamakwa said it's not enough to "make it look like we're doing something."

"We need to be able to come up with a plan whereby we look at these issues. It's just not enough to send condolences anymore.

"We need action," Mamakwa said. "No more talk."

A statement issued last week by the Sandy Lake community said firefighters, police and community members acted quickly, but the house was already engulfed in flames.

Only one water truck was available to feed the fire truck, according to the statement, adding that a lack of adequate water lines and infrastructure prevented the use of fire hydrants.

Ontario's Office of the Fire Marshal, along with the provincial coroner's office and Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, have been investigating.

Melvin McLeod, president of the Ontario Native Firefighters Society and emergency services manager for Nipissing First Nation, said Monday that First Nations face a number of emergency infrastructure challenges.

For example, he said, the Sandy Lake fire took place in freezing temperatures, lower than –30 C.

"What happens with situations like that is your pumps freeze, and there is really no way to prevent that because it's just so cold," McLeod said. "The solution to that would have to be you'd have to retrofit your pumpers and whatnot with some devices to keep them from freezing."

He said hoses also freeze, and need to be replaced with others.

But many First Nations lack basic infrastructure like proper fire halls, with a place to park fire trucks and store equipment.