THUNDER BAY – Timmins Mayor Tom Laughren states, “We are making progress despite yesterday’s strong winds, and warm temps, no property losses to report. The fire is still 30 to 35 km away from the City of Timmins. Currently MNR has deployed 25 four person Fire Ranger crews from Ontario with an additional 20 four person crews from BC joining the suppression efforts tomorrow”.
Laughren states, “I want to emphasize that with the aggressive suppression effort, the City of Timmins is in no imminent danger”.
At a press conference today the Mayor shared that the “Full aerial assault will continue today” and that “Cooler temps today with forecasted rain will assist in the ongoing suppressions. Lighter winds and changes in wind direction are helping today’s fire suppression efforts”.
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“Fire suppression efforts are being concentrated on both sides of Kenogamissi Lake and priority remains on values protection with over 200 structures being protected by way of sprinkler systems”.
The Mayor also states, “This is a good time to remind everyone of the need to be prepared for emergencies in general. This means having an emergency kit and a plan…so you know what to do if a call comes in or if someone knocks on your door at 2AM. The fact the City declared a State of Emergency doesn’t mean we are planning to evacuate Timmins, it means that we are at the ready, with external support, should the situation worsen. At this juncture there is no immediate threat but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. You can find out how to be at the ready for any emergency by visiting www.timmins.ca for a link or www.ontario.ca/emo.”
Recognizing the situation with the City Website, the Mayor shared, “The City website is experiencing record unique visits. Due to the high volume of traffic to the site, we are experiencing some issues. I’ve been re-assured by our IT Department that they are working on remedial action”.
Offering a list of information the Mayor also reported that “To date an estimated 800 people have been evacuated from cottages, camps and campgrounds around Timmins; Highway 144 and Highway 101 both continue to be closed.
However at the airport it is business as usual, all flights are on schedule.
An outdoor water ban continues. Street sweeping schedules have been put on hold. I would ask car washes and car dealers to consider water conservation measures.
Mayor Laughren said, “This situation is fast moving and so information changes at the drop of a hat. We will continue providing accurate updates as quickly as we can”.
MNR Map of Timmins Fire #9
