Six First Nations in northwestern Ontario face extended power outages amid wildfire damage, food spoilage, and fuel shortages as emergency efforts continue.
Wildfires Sever Power to Remote First Nations
Power outages are now in their fifth day across six remote First Nations in northwestern Ontario after wildfires damaged key infrastructure along the Wataynikaneyap Power line. The crisis has escalated due to limited access to clean water, fuel, and food — forcing evacuations and emergency responses.
Pikangikum Faces ‘Extreme Situation’
In Pikangikum First Nation, where power has been out since Saturday, Chief Paddy Peters called the situation “extreme,” citing dwindling supplies and increasing health risks.
“There’s minimal access to clean water, limited fuel supply, a limited number of generators,” Peters said Tuesday. “We have to deal with the power outage plus a forest fire.”
The community is currently relying on a generator at the local school, while other First Nations like Poplar Hill, Keewaywin, and North Spirit Lake have no backup power.
Restoration Hampered by Fires, Logistics
Wataynikaneyap Power reported Tuesday that restoration crews are facing significant obstacles, including active wildfires, hazardous air travel conditions, and remote lodging challenges. The utility is coordinating with Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources, Hydro One, and federal emergency teams to deploy more crews and replace damaged poles.
“Worker safety and restoration efforts are top priority,” the company stated, noting that crews are prioritizing areas based on urgency.
Spoiled Food Highlights Emergency Gaps
Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, which represents three of the six affected communities, warned that outages could persist for days. He emphasized the toll on food security, as families who stocked freezers with traditional spring harvests have lost their supplies due to spoilage.
“This speaks to the urgent need for better long-term emergency solutions in the North,” said Fiddler.
Federal, Provincial Emergency Response Mobilized
In response, Prime Minister Mark Carney convened the federal Incident Response Group to address the wildfire crisis, especially in Ontario and Manitoba. A meeting with First Nations leaders is planned for Thursday. Meanwhile, the CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power is advocating for immediate food and supply deliveries with support from both Nishnawbe Aski Nation and the federal government.
The Ministry of Natural Resources confirmed it remains in “constant contact” with First Nations leadership, assisting with evacuation logistics and infrastructure updates.
Wildfire Threat Prompts Evacuations
The 31,000-hectare Red Lake 62 fire continues to threaten Pikangikum, located just 7 kilometres away. Vulnerable residents are being relocated to Thunder Bay and Sioux Lookout, with assistance from the Independent First Nations Alliance and Indigenous Services Canada.
Despite frustrations about delayed communication, the MNR insists that it provides regular fire updates and that evacuation decisions rest with local leadership, who base decisions on evolving risks and expert advice.
Looking Ahead
While overnight rainfall helped reduce fire intensity temporarily, full power restoration may still be days away. Emergency crews remain on-site, with community leaders urging expedited federal support and long-term infrastructure planning to prevent future crises.
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