Evacuations in one northern Manitoba First Nation continue as wildfires rage on

Thousands of people continue to be evacuated in yet another Northern Manitoba First Nation as wildfires continue to rage on.

Officials say the wildfire is roughly 10 km south of Bunibonibee Cree Nation and stretches over 5,700 hectares. Chief Richard Hart says they got some rain over the last 24 hours which has somewhat helped.

“The fire is definitely not out. The conditions can change very quickly, and we have to make sure everyone is safe,” said Chief Richard Hart, of Bunibonibee Cree Nation.

Evacuation flights from the First Nation, which has around 3,000 people, started Wednesday morning, with hundreds of evacuees relocating to Winnipeg, Brandon, and Thompson.

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The Canadian Armed Forces were in the community helping with evacuation efforts in the community. Chief Hart says between 1,300-1,400 people have left the community so far.

“About half of the amount of people have been evacuated so we still have a quite aways to go,” said Hart. 

Sheila North’s daughter and family were evacuated to Winnipeg on Wednesday.

“A lot of us were worried about, especially the Elders, people with mobility issues and the children as well, so a lot of scary moments for sure,” said Sheila North, who’s family was evacuated from Bunibonibee Cree Nation.

North says it’s important to support the evacuees.

“A lot of people are not comfortable staying in just hotel rooms, and not seeing their family and regular community, so this is an uncertain time for a lot of people,” said North.

Manitoba’s Wildfire Services says there are currently 71 active wildfires within the province. The Canadian Red Cross is not only providing support to evacuees from Bunibonibee Cree Nation but also to evacuate residents from six other First Nation communities.