The state of emergency has been lifted for the city of Timmins.
Mayor Tom Laughren announced that at 10 am this morning, the city would no longer be in need of extra government resources.
while the fire continues to burn roughly 30 km from the centre of Timmins, the water ban and strict fire ban continue for the city.
The fire is holding steady at 39 thousand 500 hectares, has not grown in size since Saturday, and crews are now shifting the focus from values protection, to battling back the flames on the front lines.
Hydro Bay residents are being let back into the community today… but not residents who live on the east side of Kenogamissi Lake.
Again this is the Hydro Bay only.
Those on to the east of Kenogamissi Lake will have to wait to get home (Kenogami Cottage included).
OPP are continuing patrols within evacuated communities to ensure no properties are damaged and that no theft has occurred.
A road block will be set up just wast of the Kenogomissi cottagers road. This is the only entrance to the bay.
Police are requesting that only residents of the bay return home today. You will be asked to prove your residency with some form of ID.
OPP and Timmins police are urging residents to be patient as this process will be slow.
Also, the Mattagami first nations will be making their way today as well with the help of OPP.
These remain the only changes in evacuations.
All other evacuation orders and highway closures remain in effect.
Public Meeting – May 28, 11:00 am
Mayor Laughren’s talking points:
- 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.
All fire updates:
Timmins Fire 7
- Status: Under control and currently at 476 ha;
Timmins Fire 10
- Status: Under control and currently at 20 ha;
Timmins Fire 11
- Status: Out
Timmins Fire 12
- Status: Out
Timmins Fire 13
- Status: Out
Timmins Fire 14
- Status: Out
Timmins Fire 15
- Status: Being held and is currently at 8 ha. Crews continue to make good progress. Being held.
- To date, Old Mill Campground has not been affected.