Favourable weather conditions slowed the growth of a huge forest fire in northeastern Ontario that forced the evacuation of Mattagami First Nation earlier this week.
Timmins 9 had been quickly spreading, growing from 350 hectares earlier this week to almost 3,000 by Thursday evening.
But Ontario Forest Fires reported Friday evening that the growth had slowed, and the fire was mapped at 3,399 hectares – still not under control, but crews were making progress.
“Ten Ontario FireRanger crews and fire suppression aircraft are taking advantage of favourable weather conditions to make steady progress on wildland fire Timmins 9,” officials said.
“Cooler temperatures and some scattered rain showers have helped reduce fire behaviour.”
In an update Saturday, the Mattagami First Nation Fire Department said 13 ground crews were working on the fire.
“The Ministry of Natural Resources has four helicopters assigned, with additional aircraft arriving later (Saturday,” Curtis Fowler, the community’s fire chief, said in the statement.
More equipment arriving
“Additional equipment is arriving to begin work on the fire line at the front of the fire. MFN firefighters continue assisting MNR crews with sprinkler protection … throughout the area. Work is also ongoing on the fire break on the north side of the community.”
The road into the community remains closed.
Thursday night, the Gogama Fire Department, Ontario Provincial Police, and the MNR hosted a town hall to inform residents of plans in place for a possible evacuation as the fire is less than seven kilometres away from the community.
“There would be buses in place … even before the evacuation orders,” said Bernie Soulliere, Gogama’s fire chief.
“We’ve already made arrangements with our partners at Cote Gold to have a few buses available for those who need transportation.”
Information was also available on animal care and accessibility needs, as well. But officials are encouraged that the fire’s spread has slowed.
“It didn’t grow that much yesterday, which was good,” Soulliere said.
“The clouds came in for us yesterday and the water bombers hit it hard and they prevented it from crossing the highway north of the First Nations. So they had a good day on the fire yesterday.”
The communities are also crediting MNR fire rangers for their efforts.
Jennifer Constant, chief of Mattagami First Nation, said they are taking it day by day.
“We recognize that a lot of what we will be doing is dependent solely on what’s happening with the fire,” Constant said.
“The little bit of good news that we had today about it not crossing (Highway 144) and that it’s raining a bit.”
Soulliere said many residents are understandably anxious.
“But the Ministry of Natural Resources was really good at explaining their role and providing the information that people needed. So and just to say they’ve been doing a fantastic job.”
Constant said the forced evacuation has been a shock for many people.
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“I think sometimes you don’t recognize it until you’re put in a position where your home and the place you love and the people that are part of your community are at risk,” she said.
“We just want to extend that gratitude out to the MNR and all of the people, including our fire department, who put themselves into this position.”
When asked if he would be evacuating as well, Fowler said he was determined to stay as long as possible.
“I’m here until the end, to the very last minute,” he said.
“Hopefully, it doesn’t happen, which would be better.”
In addition to Timmins 9, Ontario Forest Fires said there are six forest fires in the northeast. The latest details can be found here.
