Lubicon now face second threat as Alberta wildfires creep closer
A beleaguered First Nations community already dealing with the health and environmental impacts of a massive oil spill is now starting to evacuate as raging forest fires in northern Alberta, which have already consumed part of a town, creep closer.
(YouTube video of heavy smoke in Slave Lake)
APTN National News
LITTLE BUFFALO, Alta.–A beleaguered First Nations community already dealing with the health and environmental impacts of a massive oil spill is now starting to evacuate as raging forest fires in northern Alberta, which have already consumed part of a town, creep closer.
Elders, children, women and those with health difficulties are leaving the Lubicon Cree community of Little Buffalo, Alta.
Community officials say the wildfire is about 25 kilometres away.
A wildfire has already burned one third of Slave Lake, Alta., a town of about 7,000 people.
The wildfire in the Peace River area that is threatening Little Buffalo has also forced the suspension of clean-up efforts of the oil pipeline spill that left many in the community complaining of illnesses.
While still kilometres away, local residents have reported that smoke from the fire has already reached the community.
APTN National News will have a full story at 6 p.m. ET.
