Forest fire forces 300 residents evacuated from Kirkland Lake area

OPP News Release

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Kirkland Lake – On May 20, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. a forest fire was discovered near the Town of Kirkland Lake.

Fire fighters from the Kirkland Lake Fire Department along with Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) fire crews, and water bombers have been on scene fighting the fire.

As of 8:30 p.m. the 1500 hectare fire is headed northeast away from Kirkland Lake towards residential and cottage areas on Goodfish and Nettie Lake.

Members of the MNR, Kirkland Lake OPP, and the Northeast Region Emergency Response Team (ERT) have notified approximately 300 residents of the fire.

They have been told to evacuate the area immediately for their safety.

An emergency shelter has been set up at the Royal Canadian Legion on Duncan Ave in Kirkland Lake for anyone who does not have a place to go.

The OPP are encouraging all people who have been advised to evacuate to do so immediately.

Officers from the Kirkland Lake OPP detachment are manning roads in the area to direct traffic and provide assistance to those in need.

The general public is being advised to stay away from the area to prevent any interference with fire crews and emergency service providers.

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