The forest fire situation has now forced 70 people from Sandy Lake First Nation from their homes. Chief Bart Meekis has asked the city of Thunder Bay to serve as a host community. Mayor Keith Hobbs has signed an emergency declaration for the city which has supported similar evacuations over the last few years and is prepared to support additional evacuees if needed. Last year Thunder Bay hosted 350 evacuees and served as a transportation hub during the severe forest fire situation.