Canadian Armed Forces Deployed to Assist in Sandy Lake First Nation Wildfire Evacuation
Sandy Lake, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Sunday morning that Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel and aircraft have been deployed to assist with the emergency evacuation of Sandy Lake First Nation, as a fast-moving wildfire—designated Red Lake 12—threatens the remote northwestern Ontario community.
The wildfire was observed moving rapidly northward on Saturday, prompting Sandy Lake First Nation leadership to issue an evacuation order. Located approximately 600 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay, Sandy Lake is a fly-in community situated in Ontario’s Kenora District, currently under severe threat from the advancing blaze.
Dramatic Rescue Efforts and Narrow Escape
On Saturday, 19 construction workers were trapped in the fire zone for several harrowing hours. Rescue helicopters struggled to land due to dense smoke. The group initially sought shelter in a shipping container, which eventually began to catch fire. They managed to flee in a vehicle convoy and reached safety within the community.
“It just engulfed on them real fast,” said Chief Delores Kakegamic of Sandy Lake First Nation, speaking to CBC. She explained the workers had been assisting with building firebreaks to slow the fire’s advance. The open layout of the work site may have given them the precious time needed to escape.
“Some of them are pretty traumatized,” the Chief added.
Evacuation Underway, Thousands Awaiting Transport
Approximately 500 residents have been evacuated with the help of military aircraft. Chief Kakegamic reported that another 1,000 high-priority individuals—primarily those with health conditions and young children—are still waiting to be flown out. An additional 2,000 residents remain in the community, with boats on standby if further evacuation measures become necessary.
Two CC-130H Hercules aircraft have conducted missions overnight, while smaller De Havilland Canada Dash 8 planes are also assisting. However, due to the short runway at Sandy Lake, these aircraft are unable to operate at full capacity.
Federal Response and Assurance
Prime Minister Carney confirmed that Ontario had formally requested federal support “in response to rapidly spreading wildfires” in the region. In a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), Carney said:
“To everyone who’s been impacted by these fires: we’re here for you. We’re prepared to mobilize every resource needed to keep Canadians safe.”
The situation remains fluid as emergency teams continue working under difficult conditions to ensure the safe evacuation of thousands of residents from Sandy Lake First Nation.
