Thursday, July 7, 2011

Forest Fires Force Evacuation of Deer Lake

Nearly 500 residents of a remote community in northwestern Ontario are being evacuated because of an approaching forest fire.

Officials are working to evacuate Deer Lake residents as fires burning about 3.5 kilometres away send smoke into the area.

The province is coordinating with federal and military officials to evacuate residents whose health is most at risk.

It is expected that about 480 residents will be immediately airlifted by Canadian Forces aircraft to Greenstone.

Ministry of Natural Resources crews are fighting the fires with water bombers.

There are currently 78 forest fires burning in northwestern Ontario.