Emergency Management Ontario (EMO) is working with First Nations officials, provincial ministries, federal departments and the Canadian Forces to evacuate Deer Lake residents who are most at risk from nearby forest fires.

Forest fires are burning 3.5 kilometres from the remote northwest Ontario community, sending plumes of smoke into the area.

At the request of the Deer Lake Band Council, the province is coordinating with federal and military officials the evacuation of Deer Lake residents whose health is most at risk due to the smoke. It is expected that approximately 480 residents will be immediately airlifted by Canadian Forces aircraft to Greenstone, Ontario.

• Emergency Management Ontario is coordinating the overall provincial efforts
• Crews from the Ministry of Natural Resources are fighting the fires with water bombers and are planning the evacuation of Deer Lake with the Canadian Forces.
• Personnel from the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care are working with federal counterparts to ensure medical services are available to those who need them.

Federal departments involved in the effort include the Department of National Defence, Health Canada and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.