First Nation Evacuees Fleeing Wildfire Face Safety Risks in Toronto, Leaders Say
The portable TytoCare units let nurses and community health workers keep remote assessments going for 542 evacuees during the wildfire emergency.
- On Friday, July 24, 2026, Cat Lake First Nation deployed mobile TytoCare diagnostic units at its Toronto evacuation site, enabling health personnel to support 542 displaced residents with remote clinical assessments.
- Twelve of the 13 communities evacuated due to nearly 180 wildfires raging in Ontario's north are First Nations; Chief Russell Wesley evacuated more than 450 Cat Lake members last week to escape encroaching wildfire smoke.
- Residents displaced approximately 1,300 kilometres from home maintain continuity of care through the virtual system, which allows health workers to conduct digital examinations of ears, throat, lungs and heart. "Our care has not been fractured," the community stated.
- Social worker Chantal Wesley reported security concerns at the hotel, citing run-ins with "predators," while Joey Morningstar of ISN Maskwa warned that human trafficking and alcohol access are common dangers when First Nations evacuate to cities.
- Chief Russell Wesley plans to fly residents back home as soon as next week if wildfire risk remains lower, while diagnostic units will remain at the Toronto site until the community can safely return.
30 Articles
30 Articles
First Nation evacuees face safety risks in Toronto, leaders say
First Nation chiefs and community members are highlighting the risks that follow evacuees after they fleeing northern Ontario wildfires, as they say those sheltering in Toronto hotels are facing elevated danger linked to drugs, alcohol and human trafficking. Cat Lake First Nation Chief Russell Wesley says he worked with the province to evacuate more than 450 of his community members to Toronto last week, but already he wants to see them return …
The Toronto Star
First Nation evacuees fleeing wildfire face safety risks in Toronto, leaders say
TORONTO - First Nation chiefs and community members are highlighting the dangers that follow evacuees after they have fled northern Ontario wildfires, as they say those sheltering in Toronto hotels
First Nation evacuees fleeing wildfire face safety risks in Toronto, leaders say – 105.9 The Region
TORONTO — First Nation chiefs and community members are highlighting the dangers that follow evacuees after they have fled northern Ontario wildfires, as they say those sheltering in Toronto hotels are facing elevated safety risks linked to drugs, alcohol and human trafficking. Cat Lake First Nation Chief Russell Wesley says he worked with the province to evacuate more than 450 of his community members to Toronto last week, but already he wants …
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