Emergency crews are battling a major fire this afternoon on the Rankin Reserve.
Heavy smoke could be seen coming from the Nimkii-Naabkawagan Family Crisis Shelter near the intersection of Gran Street and Batchewana Street.
Batchewana First Nation Chief Mark McCoy told SooToday that everyone at the crisis shelter managed to get out safely. A nearby elders complex was also evacuated.
The Canadian Red Cross is providing assistance.
A news release from Batchewana First Nation follows:
Batchewana First Nation ON, November 13, 2024 — Today, at approximately 2:00pm the Nimkii-Naabkawagan Family Crisis Shelter caught fire and emergency crews were immediately dispatched. Staff and clients were evacuated safely and will be provided secure accommodations by the First Nation.
Emergency crews continue to respond to the situation and there is still an active fire on site, so we ask everyone to be mindful and respectful and avoid the area to allow emergency responders to do their work. There is no through traffic permitted on Gran Street at this time so please seek an alternative route.
We are unsure what caused the fire but will update the community when details become available.
Shelter staff advise anyone in need of assistance to contact, Women in Crisis (Algoma) at (705) 759-1230. While the shelter staff appreciate the community’s response to donate clothes and personal items we aren’t equipped to accept items at this time.
We thank you for your understanding.