The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry in Ontario is investigating the involvement of construction crews building a wind-turbine project in the sparking of a wildfire on Henvey Inlet First Nation.
The fire began two weeks ago at the project site – considered Ontario’s largest wind project. Workers (who wished to remain anonymous) told CBC News that crews continued to blast rock and use heavy machinery that had set off a number of small fires – despite a region-wide fire ban.
“We heard on two-way radios that there was an Argo [an all-terrain vehicle] that broke down in the bush where the fire began,” one worker recounted.
“During the week, as we proceeded through work, there were fires that started up from our machines . . . little fires,” the worker continued. “But this one started and it was too big for [workers] to control. And it got out of hand and it turned into devastation.”
Another worker said that he was equipped with a 20-litre fire suppression pack, but it was not enough to control the blaze that eventually grew.
Workers also said that their bosses called for seven-day work weeks and were even considering night shifts just to keep up with the project developer’s schedule.
“They were still blasting every day, sometimes two or three shots a day,” said another worker. “We’ve had fires start off beside blasting mats, but it still went on every day.”
Pattern Energy Group LP and its affiliate Pattern Development temporarily shut down the project following news of the forest fire. The developer, in a statement, said that the project and its general contractor, Quebec-based C.E.R. Construction, are insured.
“We have not seen any direct evidence of a link between this fire and our construction activities,” explained Pattern Development media consultant Matt Dallas in an email.
“We were operating within MNRF guidelines and protocols, and all of our contractors have a fire prevention plan integrated into their health and safety plans. The MNRF has stated the cause is not yet known and are conducting an investigation. We, like all neighbours to this fire, are anticipating the outcome.”
