Forest fire closes Kirkland Lake schools, forces evacuations

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, about 300 Kirkland Lake area residents have been evacuated due to a major forest fire about 5 km northwest of the town.

Kirkland Lake's municipal website includes the following forest fire update:

"Update for evacuees: evacuees from Goodfish Lake, Nettie Lake & Goldthorpe Road will be updated by officials at a meeting this afternoon at 3 p.m. at the Legion.

The public will be permitted to attend the meeting as well.

For evacuees who are unable to attend the meeting, CJKL FM will air details & post information once the meeting is over.

Kirkland Lake remains in a state of emergency today, as MNR crews battle to get a line around a 2700 ha fire burning 3 km to the north of the community.

Homes around Goodfish and Nettie have been evacuated.

Evacuation of Kirkland Lake proper (including Swastika) will not take place until the fire comes within 1 km of the town.

If that happens, we can anticipate a 10-12 hour advance notice.

Transportation will be provided for those in need.

In Kirkland Lake today, all schools are closed.

There will be a meeting at the Legion this afternoon for Goodfish and Nettie Lake evacuees.

The fire has damaged the ONR tracks, and knocked out power lines.

As a result of the damage to the power lines, Kirkland Lake Gold and AuRico Gold’s Young Davidson Mine in Matachewan have suspended operations.

THE MNR has closed access to Crown land in the townships of Teck, Bernhardt and Morrisette.

ATV’s etc are to stay out of these areas so emergency personnel can do their job.

The fire has damaged the ONR tracks, and knocked out power lines.

As a result of the damage to the power lines, Kirkland Lake Gold and AuRico Gold’s Young Davidson Mine in Matachewan have suspended operations.

THE MNR has closed access to Crown land in the townships of Teck, Bernhardt and Morrisette. ATV’s etc are to stay out of these areas so emergency personnel can do their job.

The Emergency Management Team continues to monitor the situation and will provide regular updates."