A devastating fire that engulfed and destroyed the only nursing station in a remote Ontario First Nation has forced the community to evacuate its most vulnerable residents and seek immediate assistance from the federal government.
Nursing station was a lifeline for the community
The nursing station in Cat Lake First Nation, located about 600 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, was a vital health care facility that provided essential services such as dialysis, vaccinations, COVID-19 testing, and emergency care for the community of about 700 people.
The fire broke out on Monday, March 4, 2024, around 11:30 p.m., and quickly spread throughout the building, which also housed the band office, the radio station, and the water treatment plant. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but witnesses reported hearing explosions before the flames erupted.
The nursing station was staffed by four nurses and one physician assistant, who managed to escape the blaze unharmed, but lost all their equipment and supplies. The nurses also helped evacuate 15 patients who were receiving dialysis treatment at the time of the fire.
Community faces health and safety risks
The loss of the nursing station has left the community in a precarious situation, as they face multiple health and safety risks, such as:
- Lack of access to medical care: The nearest hospital is in Sioux Lookout, which is a three-hour flight away from Cat Lake. The community relies on air ambulances to transport patients who need urgent or specialized care, but the service is often delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions or availability. Without the nursing station, the community has no local option for health care, and many residents suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and respiratory infections.
- Lack of clean water: The fire also damaged the water treatment plant, which was located in the same building as the nursing station. The community has been under a boil water advisory for over a decade, and the fire has worsened the situation, as the water supply is now contaminated with chemicals and debris from the fire. The community has been relying on bottled water donated by neighbouring First Nations and organizations, but the supply is insufficient and unsustainable.
- Lack of communication: The fire also destroyed the radio station, which was the main source of information and entertainment for the community. The radio station broadcasted news, weather, music, and cultural programs in the local Oji-Cree language, and also served as a warning system in case of emergencies. The community has been cut off from the outside world, as they have limited access to cell phones and internet.
Community calls for immediate action from the federal government
The community has been pleading for immediate action from the federal government, which is responsible for providing health care and infrastructure to First Nations. The community leaders have issued a state of emergency and requested the following:
- Evacuation of high-risk patients: The community has asked the federal government to evacuate about 100 patients who need regular dialysis treatment or other medical care that cannot be provided locally. The patients are currently staying in hotels and motels in nearby towns, but the accommodation is costly and inadequate. The community wants the federal government to arrange for safe and comfortable housing for the patients and their families until the nursing station is rebuilt.
- Reconstruction of the nursing station: The community has asked the federal government to provide funding and resources to rebuild the nursing station as soon as possible. The community estimates that the reconstruction will cost about $20 million and take at least two years to complete. The community wants the federal government to expedite the process and ensure that the new nursing station meets the standards and needs of the community.
- Improvement of water and communication systems: The community has asked the federal government to upgrade the water and communication systems in the community, which have been neglected and outdated for years. The community wants the federal government to lift the boil water advisory and provide clean and safe drinking water to the community. The community also wants the federal government to restore the radio station and provide better access to cell phones and internet to the community.
Community hopes for a better future
The community has expressed its gratitude to the nurses, firefighters, volunteers, donors, and supporters who have helped them cope with the crisis. The community has also shown its resilience, solidarity, and optimism in the face of adversity. The community hopes that the federal government will listen to their voices and take action to address their urgent needs and long-standing issues. The community hopes for a better future, where they can enjoy quality health care, clean water, and reliable communication in their homeland.
