Wildfire evacuees take refuge in Brandon

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This article was published 02/08/2024 (405 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Smoke from wildfires in northern Manitoba has forced the evacuation of more than 1,000 people from four First Nations, with 46 residents of the Manto Sipi Cree Nation now taking refuge in Brandon, according to Canadian Red Cross spokesperson Jason Small.

“Forty-six people arrived on Tuesday, and there are more coming by plane,” Small said. “It is not a good situation, but we hope that we can help provide them a little bit of positive in a negative situation, and hopefully get them set up where they can be safe until it’s time to go home.”

Manto Sipi Cree Nation is a remote community as far north as Flin Flon but on the eastern side of Manitoba, close to the Ontario border.

The other northern Manitoba First Nations that have seen evacuations are God’s Lake First Nation, Wasagamack First Nation and Red Sucker Lake First Nation.

“The issue is smoke,” said Small. “So, the people that are evacuating are the people who have the highest health priorities as identified by the community leadership.”

There are 58 active wildfires across the province, bringing the total to 175 wildfires to date, according to Manitoba Wildfire Service. The fires caused by lightning are the most challenging for crews who are fighting the blazes.

The fire causing the smoke for the Manto Sipi Cree Nation is currently 24,320 hectares, or about 60,000 acres.

MWS said it is also focusing on protecting Manitoba Hydro infrastructure and the Bell communication tower that services the Island Lake area.

The Canadian Red Cross has an agreement with Indigenous Services Canada to provide support on the government’s behalf, said Small.

Once a First Nation and Indigenous Services Canada determine a community needs to evacuate, the Red Cross is called and they “immediately begin providing support.”

“There is a lot to organize. But we have a very experienced team. We’ve been doing this now for nine years and our experienced team is well trained and prepare for this year-round,” he said.

“And because a lot of these communities are fly-in only, we organize the planes, the hotel, lodging, food and we’re also providing personal services, which often means hygiene kits, maybe diapers or formula. It just depends on what’s needed.

“We have relationships with lots of hotels in Winnipeg, Brandon and other parts of the province so that we can call on them when we need the space.”

According to the MWS fire bulletin released Wednesday, Ontario has sent five crews with 21 firefighters, with an additional 21 personnel arriving next week.

Additionally, two water bombers from Quebec and a bird dog aircraft from New Brunswick are currently assisting with wildfire operations.

A bird dog aircraft flies above the water bombers and has an air attack officer on board. The officer will direct the tankers where to dump the water, making sure they hit their target, according to the AVCANADA website, an online forum for bush pilots, fire suppression and water bomber pilots.

Small suggests if people are interested in helping and supporting those who have been displaced from their homes because of wildfires, “the best thing they can donate is time.”

To find out more about volunteering, visit redcross.ca/volunteer or call the toll free number: 1-888-800-6493.

» mmcdougall@brandonsun.com

» X: @enviromichele