The Mayor of Red Lake stresses this is going to be a very difficult day for the community.
Fred Mota says Red Lake Fire 49 is now burning 2.5-kilometres away from the community and they are experiencing heavy smoke.
“The winds have changed from the west to the southeast which means the fire has turned direction and is burning towards the community. In more particular areas, the geographic’s of Red Lake, it’s burning towards Madsen and the far end of Red Lake which is known as Buffalo.”
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has been able to protect hydro lines.
Mota is strongly urging residents to follow an evacuation order.
“We have a plane on standby in Red Lake that’s able to transport 115 residents per trip. Our municipal staff is working very, very hard and are out their door knocking right now to check on people, especially vulnerable people, to see if they are changing their mind in leaving the community.”
Mota can’t say how many residents remain in the Red Lake area but notes several have decided to stay at home.
Northbound traffic on Highway 105 is not being allowed but motorists can still leave the community.
“I’m very thankful for all of our municipal staff, the MNRF, all our community organizations including the OPP. It’s going to be a difficult day for Red Lake but we have faith in our MNRF crews and their doing a fantastic job.”
At 10:10 Red Lake Fire #49 was mapped at 750 hectares in size.
To hear more from Fred Mota, visit the Audio link below.
(Photo Credit: Mandy Lee Facebook)
Howey Bay. Aug 12 2020 7:20am
Posted by Chantal D Cole-Fitzpatrick on Wednesday, August 12, 2020
