The power outage has lasted over 24 hours, leading to food spoilage and the closure of essential stores like the Northern Store, which has been shut for three days, worsening the food crisis.

The community's vulnerable residents, including over 2,000 people, have been evacuated since July 11, with more than 240 flown out by July 13, but evacuation efforts are ongoing as fire conditions change.

Pikangikum First Nation in northwestern Ontario is currently experiencing a severe crisis due to ongoing wildfires, notably the Red Lake 62 wildfire, which has burned over 31,000 hectares and remains uncontrolled.

The community has been without power for more than three days, impacting critical facilities like the nursing station, which is now operating on generator power, and leading to food spoilage and shortages.

Evacuations are underway, with approximately 500 residents sent to Thunder Bay and others flown out earlier, but concerns remain about the number of residents still in danger as fire conditions worsen.

Travel restrictions have been imposed in the Red Lake 62 area to support firefighting efforts, and the Ontario Provincial Police are coordinating evacuations amidst the ongoing wildfire threat.

Leaders, including Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, have expressed urgent concerns about vulnerable community members needing medical evacuation, food supplies running low, and communication systems being compromised.

Firefighters are battling difficult conditions caused by smoke and challenging terrain, but favorable winds are helping them create fire breaks to protect the community from the advancing wildfire.

Hydro One is deploying 20 crew members and equipment to restore power, while emergency diesel generators are providing some relief in Deer Lake and Sandy Lake.

The wildfire situation is dire, with over 50 fires reported regionally, including the massive Red Lake 12 fire, which has burned over 195,000 hectares, making it Ontario's largest wildfire on record.

Air quality alerts are in effect across northwestern Ontario, including Thunder Bay, due to wildfire smoke, which is causing health symptoms and prompting residents to limit outdoor activities.

Community leaders are urgently requesting supplies such as baby milk and diapers, as the community faces shortages amid the ongoing crisis.

Heavy drought conditions have worsened the fire situation, and despite mobilization of firefighting resources, heavy rainfall is not expected soon, complicating containment efforts.