THUNDER BAY – The contrast across Northern Ontario is stark. Thunder Bay faces a state of emergency over flooding. In Timmins there is a state of emergency over forest fires.
In Timmins this morning Mayor Laughton has briefed the media.
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Mayor Tom Laughren – Timmins Fire Update Media Conference – Monday May 28, 2012 – 10:30am EST
Timmins Fire 9
- We continue to make progress fighting this fire. Today’s cooler temp combined with the rain is assisting in the suppression efforts.
- Fire is still 30 to 35 km away from the City of Timmins core and based on mapping techniques, fire is at 39,518 ha and holding.
- The 25 four person Fire Ranger crews from Ontario and 20 four person crews from BC are on the front line working fire suppression
- Full aerial assault will continues today
- Again I’m urging private aircrafts to stay away from the fire zone.
- I want to emphasize that with the aggressive suppression effort, the City of Timmins is in no imminent danger.
- State of Emergency has now been lifted
- Access to Hydro Bay will be allowed. The East side of Kenogamissi Lake is still under a restriction order. Timmins Police will set up south of Hydro Bay to ensure that the power line road is still being monitored.
- While the situation is improving … everyone needs to remain vigilant about the risk of fires … especially when hot and dry weather returns because those risks are not going away … it’s only May! Everyone should be prepared and have an emergency kit at home and at their cottage. You can order these by visiting www.ontario.ca/emo These will also be available shortly through the many agencies located in the City as well as being available from City Hall. It does not hurt to be prepared and vigilant at all times.
- We do not anticipate any new evacuation orders.
- Highway 144 and Highway 101 continue to be closed. Dalton Road is also closed near the Grassy River
- No airport related issues to report, all flights are on schedule
- An outdoor water ban continues. Again I ask car washes and car dealers to consider water conservation measures until further notice.
- I want to emphasize what I said yesterday with respect to updates and information accuracy. This situation is fast moving and so information changes at the drop of a hat. We will continue providing “real time” accurate updates as quickly as we can.
- The Ontario Commissioner of Community Safety, Dan Hefkey, will be in Timmins to meet with municipal and provincial officials later today. Mr. Hefkey will be available to meet with the media here in the auditorium at 1pm today
- I would encourage residents to visit You Tube from a link on the City web site to view this and all other un-edited News Conferences.
- Once again, and on behalf of the residents, I want to express a heartfelt thanks to the Emergency Responders including the MNR, the OPP, the Timmins Fire Service, Timmins Police, The Canadian Red Cross, the Ministry of Public Safety, the Ontario Fire Marshalls Office and everyone else.