Roughly 1,000 people evacuated due to wildfire near Lac du Bonnet

About 1,000 people have been evacuated from their homes as wildfires rage near Lac du Bonnet. Many roads – all closed off as resident rushed to get their families and get out.

“You could see the flames, and you could see the smoke, and that was really scary for the kids. They were really anxious, not knowing what to do and what was happening,” said Krista Diduck, who was evacuated.

Diduck was out with her son when she learned of the evacuation order. As she tried to get home, she was stopped at the road closure and was told she had half an hour to go get the rest of her family. She packed the car with some clothes, stuffies for the kids, a bit of food, and a family photo.

“Stress. A lot of stress. My dad built the cabin from the ground up. And not knowing if it’s going to be there when we go back,” she explained. “I’m just praying it’s just there. It’s a lot of memories.”

Meanwhile, Esther Dyck was evacuated on Tuesday and got word on Wednesday that her home was safe.

“We’re just so grateful. We’re thankful to god that he’s protected us and given us the ability to go back home, and I’m sorry. I’m still quite emotional about it. Just having thought this morning that we lost everything,” said Dyck.

“The fire spread so quickly due to the intense winds and the heat we had yesterday,” explained Loren Schinkel, Reeve of the Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet.

On Wednesday, a smoky haze took hold outside the evacuation area. The province reports 4,000 hectares burning and the source – human human-created. The fire also downed hydro poles and wires. As of Wednesday afternoon, it was still listed as out of control.

The rural municipality is coordinating the multi-agency response. Neighbouring fire departments have sent over their resources.

“Without them on the front lines, it would have been devastatingly worse,” said Schinkel.

Residents in the town proper opened their homes to strangers while businesses gave away supplies.

“It truly shows the true spirit of the people of our community and why people want to live here,” explained Schinkel.

Schinkel doesn’t yet know when people will be allowed back in their homes and asks for patience as the situation develops minute by minute.