Wildfire prompts evacuation of Pimicikamak

WINNIPEG — Pimicikamak Cree Nation evacuated about 300 vulnerable residents over the weekend, fearing smoke from nearby wildfires could cause injury or death.

The evacuees include people with respiratory issues, physical disabilities and elders, Chief David Monias said by phone Sunday.

“This is really a precautionary evacuation. A lot of it is voluntary,” Monias said. “We are hoping for the best, that the smoke won’t come into our community.”

An out-of-control wildfire continued to burn roughly five kilometres west of the First Nation (also known as Cross Lake) on Sunday.

The blaze was sparked by human causes on May 21, and encompassed about 1,500 hectares as of Saturday, the latest update from the provincial government stated.

Two much smaller fires — one about 60 km northwest and another 50 km southwest — were also considered out of control, the province said.

Monias launched the evacuation Friday night. Within about a day, 216 people flew the 530 km south to stay in Winnipeg, while 86 others flew to Thompson. More evacuations were expected Sunday, with those people heading to Brandon, he said.

“The sky is clear right now … but you can smell the smoke,” Monias said at about 3 p.m.

The chief said his community was subject to a mass evacuation only a few years ago. Two people died because of the smoke, while many others became sick, he said.

The call to evacuate pre-emptively was made out of an abundance of caution, Monias said.

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc., (MKO) an advocacy group that represents some northern First Nations, including Pimicikamak, supported the decision.

“Sending strength to family and friends in Pimicikamak as evacuations continue,” MKO said in a post on Facebook.

Monias issued his own statement on social media in response, thanking MKO’s emergency management team for their help.

“In the midst of chaos, you have been a pillar of strength, calm and compassion for our nation. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you are doing for us,” he wrote in a message addressed to MKO emergency program co-ordinator Ashley Moore-Desrosiers.

“Even under immense pressure, you remain steady — organizing, guiding and reassuring others, all with a kind heart and a steady smile. That kind of strength can’t be taught. It comes from deep within, from someone who truly cares not just for their job but for their people.”

Not everything ran smoothly with the evacuation, however, with Monias saying some evacuees experienced significant delays as they tried to register and arrange accommodations with the Canadian Red Cross.

As a result, some people waited for up to nine hours before securing a space to stay. Those delays were particularly difficult for evacuees with health conditions or who use wheelchairs.

“Yesterday, we had a rough day,” Monias said.

He said the evacuation highlighted a need to streamline the process by which people register, and are approved, for Red Cross support.

A spokesperson from the Red Cross said in a statement Sunday evening that the organization worked with community leaders to arrange accommodations suitable to evacuees with various needs.

“The Red Cross worked hard to secure hotel rooms that met the specific needs of individuals and their families. By Saturday evening, everyone who evacuated to Winnipeg and Thompson had been assigned hotel accommodations,” the spokesperson said.

“The Red Cross understands that this is a stressful time for many people, and our teams are working as quickly as possible.”

» Winnipeg Free Press