Six First Nations communities in northwestern Ontario, including Pikangikum, Deer Lake, Sandy Lake, Poplar Hill, North Spirit Lake, and Keewaywin, are experiencing power outages due to wildfires damaging hydro poles along the Wataynikaneyap Power line. Pikangikum has been without power for three days, leading to food spoilage, compromised communications, and concerns for vulnerable residents. Evacuation efforts are ongoing in Pikangikum due to the 31,000-hectare Red Lake 62 fire, which is seven kilometers away. Restoration efforts are underway, but no definitive timeline is available, prompting calls for immediate resources and support.
Wildfire-related power outages have now hit 6 First Nations in northwestern Ontario
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Six First Nations communities in northwestern Ontario, including Pikangikum, Deer Lake, Sandy Lake, Poplar Hill, North Spirit Lake, and Keewaywin, are experiencing power outages due to wildfires damaging hydro poles along the Wataynikaneyap Power line. Pikangikum has been without power for three days, leading to food spoilage, compromised communications, and concerns for vulnerable residents. Evacuation efforts are ongoing in Pikangikum due to the 31,000-hectare Red Lake 62 fire, which is seven kilometers away. Restoration efforts are underway, but no definitive timeline is available, prompting calls for immediate resources and support.
Trending- 1 Three days prior to July 14, 2025: Pikangikum First Nation lost power.
- 2 Monday (July 14, 2025): Hydro One provided an emailed statement; Sandy Lake First Nation updated that crews expected to replace the first hydro pole; Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler sent an emailed statement; Carolane Gratton provided an emailed statement; Chris Marchand spoke to CBC News.
- 3 Ongoing: Wildfires continue to burn; evacuation efforts continue in Pikangikum; restoration work by Hydro One and Wataynikaneyap Power.
- Widespread power outages
- Food spoilage
- Compromised communication systems (internet, cell, telephone)
- Health risks for vulnerable members (elderly, those needing AC)
- Need for medevacs
- Ongoing evacuations
- Significant strain on communities
- Calls for more resources
What: Six First Nations communities in northwestern Ontario are experiencing widespread power outages due to wildfires damaging hydro poles. This has led to food spoilage, communication issues, and ongoing evacuations.
When: Pikangikum has been without power for three days (as of July 14, 2025). The article was published on Monday, July 14, 2025, so the outage started on Friday, July 11, 2025. Restoration efforts are ongoing.
Where: Northwestern Ontario, Canada, specifically Pikangikum First Nation, Deer Lake First Nation, Sandy Lake First Nation, Poplar Hill First Nation, North Spirit Lake First Nation, and Keewaywin First Nation. The Red Lake 62 fire is near Pikangikum. Evacuees are sent to Thunder Bay and Sioux Lookout. Hydro One is mobilizing equipment from Kenora and Dryden.
Why: Wildfires (specifically Red Lake 62) have damaged six hydro poles along the Wataynikaneyap Power line, causing a chain reaction of power outages. Ongoing drought conditions and active fire behavior contribute to the problem.
How: Wildfires directly damaged power infrastructure. Hydro One and Wataynikaneyap Power are mobilizing crews and equipment to repair poles. Evacuations are being conducted by Dash-8 planes or self-evacuation.