ARCHIVED - Government of Canada Assisting Province of Saskatchewan with Fire Evacuation

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Ottawa, June 1, 2011 – Today, the Honourable Vic Toews, Canada's Minister of Public Safety, and the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement in support of the residents of Wollaston Lake and the Hatchet Lake First Nations communities, who are facing imminent danger as a result of a major forest fire.

“Our government is acting swiftly in response to requests from the Province of Saskatchewan as a result of this serious situation facing the communities of Wollaston Lake and the Hatchet Lake First Nation.

Canadian Forces Search and Rescue aircraft are assisting with evacuation efforts in the area.  Three CC-130 Hercules aircraft and four CH-146 Griffon helicopters are deploying this evening and one CC-130J Hercules will be deployed early tomorrow morning. In addition, the Public Health Agency of Canada is supplying beds, blankets and other essentials for more than 1,100 evacuees.

We are also closely monitoring the situation through the Government Operations Centre, and will continue to work closely with the Province of Saskatchewan to identify any other issues and to offer any further assistance that may be required."

Information:

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657

Public Affairs Officer
1 Canadian Air Division Headquarters, Winnipeg Office
204-833-2500, ext. 6904
After hours: (204) 471-5222

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