The City of Thunder Bay is preparing to receive evacuees from Red Lake today due to the close proximity of the 420 hectares forest fire which is burning less than 5 km south of the town and poses an immediate threat to public safety.

“Thunder Bay will do everything we can to support our neighbouring community as they face this dire situation,” said Mayor Bill Mauro. “I have talked with the Mayor of Red Lake and indicated our willingness to support the Red Lake evacuees. I have also confirmed with our three emergency services that at this time they have the capacity to meet the needs of hosting evacuees.”

This is an evolving situation and the number of evacuees to arrive in the city is still developing at this time. The town, with a population of 4,500 residents, is evacuating to several community in the region including Dryden, Kenora, Pickle Lake and others in addition to Thunder Bay.

“We have been in discussions with Dr. Janet DeMille, Medical Officer of Health, as it relates to the arrival and hosting of additional people within the city during a pandemic,” said Norm Gale, City Manager. “COVID-19 prevention measures are in place in Thunder Bay and evacuees will abide by the health and safety measures in our community. We have also been informed by Dr. DeMille that at this time there are no active COVID-19 cases in the community of Red Lake.”

The local coordinating team, including the City of Thunder Bay, Police, Fire & Rescue, Superior North EMS, Emergency Management Ontario, Canadian Red Cross and Thunder Bay District Health Unit, will continue to meet to make necessary arrangements. 

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Contact: Greg Hankkio, Acting Fire Chief, 625-2102

               Jodi Wright, Acting Public Information Officer, 633-1218