Wildfires Force Mass Evacuations Across Canada
Construction Crew Narrowly Escapes Raging Blaze in Ontario
A surge in wildfires is prompting widespread evacuations and military intervention across Canada, as communities face imminent danger from rapidly spreading flames. A construction crew in Northwestern Ontario had a harrowing escape, highlighting the escalating crisis.
Close Call Near Sandy Lake
Neal Gillespie and his 18-member crew found themselves trapped by a fast-moving wildfire while working near Sandy Lake First Nation. Forced to seek shelter inside shipping containers, they endured hours of intense heat and thick smoke as the sky turned orange. Rescue attempts by helicopter were initially thwarted by the hazardous conditions.
As the crew prepared to evacuate, they witnessed the containers they’d sheltered in ignite. “It was like watching what could have happened to us – how we also could have perished in that big blaze,”
said Gillespie on Sunday, recalling the terrifying ordeal. “All our training came in handy. The guys and I are thankfully safe, all mostly back now with our families. But I can’t help but think about what could have been, how we almost, really almost, didn’t make it.”
More than 220 wildfires are currently burning across Canada, with at least 98 classified as out of control. This year’s fire season is already exceeding historical averages; according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, as of June 9th, 2024, over 2.8 million hectares have burned – more than double the 10-year average for this time of year. (Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre)
Military Assistance and Evacuations
The situation is particularly dire in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, where over 30,000 people have been evacuated and states of emergency are in effect. Alberta and British Columbia are also battling numerous fires. Now, Ontario has requested military support to address 26 active fires in its northwest region.
Mark Carney, Prime Minister, authorized the Canadian Armed Forces to airlift nearly 3,000 residents from Sandy Lake First Nation, as a large fire encroaches on the remote community, located approximately 450 kilometers northeast of Winnipeg.
“We’re prepared to mobilize every resource needed to keep Canadians safe,”
—Mark Carney, Prime Minister
Wyatt Shorter, Captain with the Canadian Joint Operations Command, reported that military evacuation flights from Sandy Lake began Saturday evening and continued Sunday. “Over the last 24 hours, wildfire has advanced from 40 kilometres to just two kilometres from the community, placing the population at immediate risk,”
he stated.
Evacuees from Sandy Lake have been transported to Red Lake and Thunder Bay, Ontario. The city of Thunder Bay is preparing to serve as a temporary hub, offering rest and support before evacuees are relocated to Southern Ontario.
Ken Boshcoff, Mayor of Thunder Bay, emphasized the community’s commitment to assisting those affected. “It’s in moments like these where the spirit of Northern Ontario and our commitment to one another is reflected in the way we respond.”
Efforts to Contain the Fires
Gillespie explained that his crew, from Milestone Environmental Contracting and Sigfusson Northern, had been assisting with fire break construction around Sandy Lake at the request of community officials. They had been preparing for a potential fire for weeks, but the rapid escalation took them by surprise.
In Manitoba, recent precipitation and cooler temperatures have offered limited relief, as the province continues to battle 28 large wildfires. One fire is reportedly five times the size of Winnipeg, while another is seven times larger.
Saskatchewan officials are cautiously optimistic about lifting evacuation orders in some areas, citing improved conditions due to recent rainfall. Marlo Pritchard, president and fire commissioner of the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, stressed the need for continued vigilance. “But we cannot slow down,”
he told reporters. “This is the time where we can take advantage of this small window of opportunity.”
