The evacuation order for Henvey Inlet First Nation residents has been extended to August 10th, due to heavy smoke from the Parry Sound 33 forest fire.
Chief and Council issued a State of Emergency on July 21st, which initiated the evacuation from the community. The nation’s leadership says it will continue to reassess the evacuation order on a weekly basis dependant on reports from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, adding the health and safety of Henvey Inlet First Nation citizens is its first and foremost concern.
Chief Wayne McQuabbie is extending his support to neighbouring communities also affected by the fire. He says, “We understand that fire crews are staving off the fire from jumping the Lower Pickerel River, and we’re hoping it doesn’t jump over where there is a higher density of residents and cottagers.”
Henvey Inlet First Nation says it’s grateful for the fire crews and support staff working on extinguishing the fire. “The next couple of days will be a challenge for MNRF fire crews due to wind and dry conditions. So far, crews had good results combating the fire. Sprinkler systems are in place on every household and building in the community as a precautionary measure,” says Chief McQuabbie.