Ford, Miller visit Parry Sound 33 fire site
BRITT — Hours after burning voters in Toronto and Muskoka with electoral changes, Premier Doug Ford was in Britt Friday afternoon offering to help MNRF staff put out fires affecting Northeastern Ontario.
He was joined by Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Norm Miller and by Jeff Yurek, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry.
Parry Sound 33 is one of the largest fires underway.
The government trio visited people in communities near Parry Sound where hundreds of firefighters from across North America are battling major wildfires. And met people in the affected communities today, as well as with teams that are fighting the fires and managing the evacuation process, a PC Party release said.
“The government’s priority is to keep the public and emergency responders safe, and to protect private property.
“It’s a terrible thing to have to flee your home because of a forest fire,” said Premier Ford. “These fires have shown how communities in Ontario come together in times of need. Our government is doing everything we can to bring these fires under control and keep you safe.”
Ford praised forest fire teams that are working with the Ontario Provincial Police, community leaders and other agencies to battle fires in the Parry Sound area and other parts of the province. As well, he recognized the help Ontario is receiving from beyond its borders.
“I want to thank all of the courageous men and women from near and far for helping us respond to this emergency,” said Ford. “And I am grateful to the premiers of provinces that are helping Ontario, as well as leaders in the U.S. and Mexico who are providing assistance. We are working side by side as one united community.”
Meanwhile, Yurek’s office sent out a release of its own Friday on the death of a firefighter battling the dozens of blazes.
“I learned yesterday that an Alberta wildland firefighter assisting our responseto wildfires in Northwestern Ontario has died. Our hearts go out to his familyand friends back home, to his crew-members and to all the Alberta firefighterswho are helping to keep Ontarians safe.
“These brave men and women are working around the clock to help fight these fires.It‘s dangerous and hard work — they are our first line of defense and they stepup each and every time. We’re grateful for their efforts and their sacrifices,and for reminding us that we’re never stronger than when we work together.
“Ontario is fortunate tohave fire crews from Mexico to Minnesota; from British Columbia to PrinceEdward Island helping to fight the fires burning in northern and centralOntario, alongside our law enforcement, municipalities, Indigenous communitiesand emergency staff.”
