Young fire evacuees 'touch a truck' during visit from Timmins emergency services
While evacuees from Pikangikum First Nation seek refuge in Timmins, local emergency services wanted to give them a chance to explore fire trucks, a police cruiser, and an ambulance up close.
Marc Depatie, the Timmins Police Service's communications coordinator, said many children from smaller communities — which make up a large portion of these evacuees — may find the loud and flashing vehicles startling.
And so the goal for the trio of emergency services is to let people know that "the men and women in uniform are your friends."
"They are easily approachable and if you’re in a situation where you’re perhaps uncomfortable or your safety’s being jeopardized … the man or woman in uniform is there to assist you," Depatie said.
As the youngsters learned about the emergency vehicles, Timmins' fire chief and emergency management coordinator, Tom Laughren, said an event like this is a much-needed distraction from the situation that has forced them to leave their homes.
With around 50 extreme fires in the northwest region raging on with no clear end in sight, he said acquainting evacuees with the city's emergency services, ensures they know they are being looked after.
"Overall, it’s a challenge to keep activities, keep people busy, but the community has been fantastic because we know it’s not easy for them," Laughren said. "We continue to try to work with the community on activities that they would like to see."
Despite the uncertainty of the situation, Pikangikum First Nation Elder Betty Owen said she is not worried because local services are keeping them comfortable.
Her main concern is that her community stays well and happy until they are able to return home.
"They’re nice people, they donate stuff like clothing," Owen said. "I hope there will be no more smoke over there and (that we can) go home safely."
A sentiment shared by evacuees across the province, though Laughren said this looks to be a summer-long issue.
He said with consistently dry weather and fire crews working to the bone to quell the flames, he said there’s ultimately one thing that will determine how long this evacuation will last.
"We really need rain," Laughren said. "Mother Nature needs to help out."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.