Emergency Declared in Attawapiskat

Hallway in Attawapiskat Shelter after the fire

ATTAWAPISKAT – The Attawapiskat Chief and Council have ordered the evacuation of about seventy residents following a fire at the community’s emergency shelter. The Band Council and Chief decided on the partial evacuation following their declaration of an emergency. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is arranging air transportation to Kapuskasing and the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre of the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management is coordinating Ontario’s support and liaising with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and municipal leaders.

Attawapiskat Evacuation

Attawapiskat Shelter room that caught fire

Emergency Services in Attawapiskat: Please take note that all the people who were staying at East End Trailors are under Evacuation Notice and will be leaving Attawapiskat starting Saturday afternoon at 12:30PM EST. Residents are departing to Kapuskasing and will be met by the Red Cross.

Residents are asked to bring your important documents such as birth certificate, health card and Indian Status card. If you don’t have a health card, you are advised to get it renewed when you get there by providing a mail with your official name address on it (billing address).

Timmins James Bay MP Charlie Angus has been seeking information on what happened.

Photos supplied by Rosiewoman – Thanks!

This story is developing… Read Earlier NNL Reports: Attawapiskat Hammered by Storm; Attawapiskat Working Through Crisis.