Timmins fire prompts evacuation order

Variable winds and the risk of smoke from a Timmins, Ont., forest fire has prompted officials to order the evacuation for some nearby communities. 

According to a news release, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ontario Provincial Police requested that all people immediately leave the areas south of Hydro Bay to north of Lamotte Lake Road, which also includes the areas east of Kenogamissi.

The order doesn't include Hydro Bay proper but residents of the area are asked to be on alert.

Residents of Mattagami First Nation are also being evacuated from their community because of shifting winds and a large smoke cloud from the fire.

About 194 residents will be travelling to Kapuskasing, escorted by OPP.

CL-415 water bombers have been trying to quash the northeast end of the fire, which is approximately five kilometres in size and extends northwest.