Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as you all are aware the community of Sambaa K'e was the third community that had to evacuate this fire season. I can tell you that the community leadership and the band administration did a great job in following their community evacuation plan. I had the opportunity to speak with the band manager and she explain that the community was registering everybody evacuate at that time. As she and Chief Jumbo explained to me, they were being proactive as there was a potential for the fire to impact the communities based on anticipated smoke that could close the local airport.
Mr. Speaker, there is a likelihood of smoke closing the airport in a few days because of the planned ignition operation adjacent to the community. As well, they are having conversations with ECC and MACA and factored in the weather and wind for the next few days while they make this decision.
Mr. Speaker, I can advise you when the community did call the evacuation order, they asked that the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs regional EMO not to sound the alert until they had the opportunity to tell the residents. They did not want to cause more stress with the evacuees. As you can imagine, this is a very scary thing to happen.
In speaking with the chief, he explained to me a part of the plan was to get 75 evacuees to Fort Simpson and this was done in a timely manner. I can also advise you that 13 residents stayed behind as essential staff. Evacuees were scheduled to stay in the Fort Simpson recreation centre in the gym and arena. The village had set up the evacuation centre full of cots. However, almost all evacuees have found other places to stay with family, friends, or other locations in the community.
Mr. Speaker, the village will be providing meals at the evacuation centre for the evacuees. There will be meals provided three times a day. As well, there are tables set up in case anybody wants to play cards, visit, and there's a projection screen where people can watch TV.
Mr. Speaker, residents and businesses of Fort Simpson have been amazing hosts. I have heard of businesses providing a pallet of water, another business going into the community to bring their pets out, and people donating baking goods and food. They are doing what they can to help out.
Mr. Speaker, I realize it is a scary time for the residents of Sambaa K'e, and I hope that they get home soon. As well as you imagine, we are hoping we see some rain soon. Mr. Speaker, I would like unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.
Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, colleagues. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Sambaa K'e leadership, their staff, the regional EMO team and ECC staff on the work they are doing, as well to the people and businesses of Fort Simpson. Thank you for being caring neighbours.
And Mr. Speaker, I'd like to just close and encourage everybody to be very cautious about the fire season we're in. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Nahendeh. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu.
