Forest fire leads to evacuation near Temagami

Provincial police say about 20 homes near Temagami have been evacuated because of a “dangerously close” forest fire.

The evacuated area is between Finlayson Point Provincial Park Road and Jessie Lake.

Pictures on social media show large plumes of smoke hanging over large swaths of the northeastern sky.

Other residents in the area are on alert and could be asked to leave if conditions worsen.

The town of Temagami is on a voluntary evacuation notice, with residents asked to travel north if they plan on leaving.

OPP say travel on Highway 11 between North Bay and Temiskaming Shores should be avoided.

The highway is open.

A restricted fire zone is in place across the Northeast because of the extreme fire hazard.

Photos courtesy @OPP_NER on Twitter