Hundreds evacuated in Far North First Nation as forest fires rage
CTV
A fire near Fort Albany First Nation in the Far North forced the evacuation of hundreds of people Wednesday.
A fire near Fort Albany First Nation in the Far North forced the evacuation of hundreds of people Wednesday.
They’re seeking refuge in neighbouring communities, but officials say the pressure is on to move evacuees south and douse the flames.
Around 500 people fled the First Nation, most by air to Moosonee and around 70 by water to neighbouring Kashechewan.
Some took striking video on the Albany River, as water bombers picked up payloads to fight the flames.
Fort Albany Chief Elizabeth Kataquapit told people online that more help is needed.
“It was decided by council to immediately prioritize in moving the people that were evacuated to Kash and Moosonee, that they be moved to Kapuskasing and Val Rita … because of the conditions they are currently in,” Kataquapit said.
Kataquapit said facilities are overcrowded and without air conditioning, all the while pungent smoke is affecting the air quality.
