State of emergency declared in Eabametoong First Nation after fire interrupted water supply
A fire at a water treatment plant in remote Eabametoong First Nation left the community without water for nearly a week, forcing dozens of people to be evacuated to Thunder Bay, Ontario.
The town of Thunder Bay, 360 kilometers from Eabametoong, says it began receiving evacuees on Sunday, following a request from the province to accommodate those affected.
The province says 190 vulnerable people, including children, have been evacuated after Wednesday’s fire.
Indigenous Services Canada says First Nation leaders declared a state of emergency on Saturday and asked for 400 people to be evacuated.
Nishnawbe Aski Police (NAPS) has charged two boys, aged 13 and 14, with arson over the incident.
Brad Duce, superintendent of criminal investigations and special operations at NAPS, has said the safe water supply could be restored this week.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on July 11, 2023.
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