A construction crew’s superintendent who sought refuge in a shipping container during a raging wildfire closing in on them expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal. The crew, comprising 19 individuals, mostly from various communities in Manitoba, was working near Sandy Lake in northwestern Ontario. The team, consisting of workers from Sigfusson Northern and Milestone Environmental Contracting Inc., were engaged in a project for Sandy Lake First Nation.
Terrifying footage shared on social media captured the towering flames and smoke engulfing the area where the crew sought shelter. Neal Gillespie from Milestone Environmental Contracting Inc. recounted feeling a sense of impending doom as the fire rapidly approached their location.
Initially 40 kilometers away, the fire quickly closed in on the crew by 9:30 a.m., prompting them to prepare for evacuation. Following a call from Sandy Lake First Nation to create fire breaks, the crew hastily gathered equipment and relocated to a work camp 14 kilometers westward. However, the fire swiftly advanced, forcing them to take refuge in the camp’s cargo container.
Despite the intense heat and smoke, the crew managed to stay safe inside the container as the fire encircled them. Several attempts to rescue them by helicopter failed due to poor visibility caused by thick smoke. After several hours, the crew successfully convoyed to Sandy Lake First Nation, where they were reported safe.
The wildfire, known as the Red Lake 12 fire, remained uncontrolled, covering over 150,000 hectares by Saturday night. An evacuation order was issued for Sandy Lake First Nation, with priority evacuees being airlifted to designated locations for safety. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the deployment of Canadian Armed Forces assets for emergency airlift support.
All 19 workers were confirmed safe and accounted for, with companies providing support and counseling services to the affected crew members. The crew’s successful implementation of evacuation protocols saved their lives, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in facing such emergencies.
