Hundreds of people who were evacuated from a remote First Nations community because of raging wildfires in northern Ontario have been flown into Ottawa.
Fire crews are battling more than 100 fires in the northern part of the province, prompting the premier to cut his annual meeting with other provincial leaders in Vancouver short.
Nearly 3,000 people have been evacuated to cities across Ontario because of heavy smoke. Ottawa will host about 270 of the most vulnerable at Algonquin College.
The evacuation order meant many fled their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs.
"We only came out with the clothes we needed," said Kristy Sainnawap, a resident who was evacuated from King Fisher Lake First Nation, located about 500 kilometres north of Thunder Bay.
"When we were evacuated there was a lot of smoke, enough smoke so that some people who have respiratory (problems) can affect them," said Elijah Begg.
"We left at the last minute so there's a lot of stuff we didn't bring. And if people donated it would help," added Cynthia Winters.
Those who want to offer their help can contact the Salvation Army at 613-241-1573 or the Red Cross at 613-740-1900.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Stefan Keyes
