Evacuations continue in Pikangikum First Nation as a wildfire continues to threaten the northern Ontario community. The statement said Friday’s evacuees were transported by three Hercules aircraft during six flights to surrounding communities including Sioux Lookout and Kapuskasing. The military said those evacuation efforts would continue Saturday, with one flight en route to Sioux Lookout and the second airlift inbound to Pikangikum as of noon. Alvin Fiddler, grand chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, which represents 49 First Nation communities across northern Ontario, has said the forest fire has damaged the broadband communications line running through the area, knocking out phone and internet service. The weather agency said Saturday morning that winds had shifted to a northerly direction, causing smoke to affect communities south of Pikangikum, including the town of Red Lake.

Source: National Post June 01, 2019 17:02 UTC