Updates on the power and forest fire situation at Chapleau

POST SIX: BULLETIN  Jeanette Wright from Chapleau posted on Facebook: "Monday 3pm Hydro is back on hoooray."   Anita Stephens also posted that power is back on at her home and office.  Other contacts have reported that the power is now back on in Chapleau area, and the community is returning to normal after more than 90 hours without power.

However, the forest fire named Wawa 18 is not out yet.

POST FIVE:
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2010/30/c8127.html  Full details

Monday May 31 at 8 a.m ET: Hydro One reported on Monday morning that: "Seventy-five workers and support staff and one helicopter and off-road equipment have been mobilized to undertake power restoration work which involves clearing conductor; removing and replacing burnt poles; and, the restringing of conductor. Based on the current damage assessment, it is expected that full power restoration will not be complete until late Monday. "





POST FOUR:
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2010/30/c8127.html  See full details

7 p.m. Sunday May 30: Today, Hydro One crews commenced power restoration activities in the Chapleau area. A power outage, which began on Thursday, May 27, was caused by a forest fire that started Thursday, May 27 in the Chapleau area near Wawa, Ontario.






POST THREE:
3 p.m. Sunday May 30: Here is link to video of the Wawa Fire 18, which I believe was taken on May 28   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2HjuF0YTHI&feature=player_embedded


http://www.soonews.ca/viewarticle.php?id=26313  Click on link for full story from Soo News.
 Soo News is reporting today that the fire has grown to 2300 hectares and MNR’s priority is to suppress the fire, maintain safety procedures and enable Hydro One power line crews and equipment access for Sunday morning to repair the damaged transmission lines and restore power to the town of Chapleau. MNR is providing fire engine support and emergency medical support to Hydro One for their efforts if required.





POST TWO:
9:30 p.m. Saturday May 29:  CBC NEWS is reporting tonight that Chapleau Mayor Earle Freeborn said the town may be without power until early next week, but  backup generators will keep the hospital and water running.
Read more:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2010/05/29/toronto-forest-fires-blackout.html#ixzz0pN7vajXa

The fire is not threatening any populated areas at this time, according to all reports.

POST ONE:
Chapleau was still without power and the forest fire near Highway 101 was still burning, according to my contacts at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Saturday May 29.

The power disruption occurred on the afternoon of Thursday May 27 when a forest fire along  Highway 101 near the turnoff to Hawk Junction destroyed at least 22 hydro transmission poles. Hydro One crews have been unable to work in the area because of the fire.

I will post further information as I receive it. If you have information please email me at mj.morris@live.ca