‘It’s a tragedy’: Victims of Lac du Bonnet wildfire identified as Manitoba parents

The woman and man who died in a wildfire in a popular lakefront cottage area northeast of Winnipeg have been identified in an online fundraiser.

The bodies of Sue and Richard Nowell were found Wednesday in the Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet.

“The fire spread rapidly, trapping them within the family property,” reads the GoFundMe, which raised nearly $18,000 since it was created. “Their two boys living at home are now without parents and a family home, which was also taken by the fire.”

The fundraiser organizer says the funds will help the couple’s two sons “with any immediate expenses and help them get essentials.”

While many in the community would not name the two just hours after news of the tragedy broke, many say they were well loved and well known in the tight-knit community.

“I was very, very upset,” resident Joanne Hirst told CityNews. “I know the people. Very tragic, very tragic.

“It is a tragedy throughout the whole community because these people were well known. They have two sons. Not only did they lose the parents, everything was gone – their home, their vehicles, everything that they had.”

“It’s sad,” added resident Logan Cramer. “It’s a terrible thing that happens. There’s no other way to put it.”

‘Tremendous loss’

Flags were lowered at the Manitoba legislature Thursday morning in a symbolic gesture of mourning, and Premier Wab Kinew called the deaths a tragic turn in a major emergency.

“The news of this loss of life changes what was an emergency into a tragedy,” the Manitoba premier said. “And as Manitobans we join those affected.”

Loren Schinkel, reeve of the RM of Lac du Bonnet, offered his thoughts to those mourning the loss.

“First and foremost, I just want to offer my deepest condolences on behalf of our council, our community, the residents, the family, the immediate family, the loved ones, and friends who are suffering this tremendous loss,” he said.

Schinkel said this is the first time in the past decade that a wildfire in the RM has taken lives. “It’s something that’s going to take time to heal. And we have a very tight community here.”

He confirmed the RCMP is still investigating.

Officials said there were 21 active fires in Manitoba as of Thursday, and the Lac du Bonnet blaze remains out of control.

“We need people to stay out of the area,” said Kristin Hayward with the Manitoba Wildfire Service.

There have been 80 wildfires so far this season; the average for this time of year is 48.

On Thursday morning, skies were hazy and the smell of smoke permeated the area in and around Lac du Bonnet.

Evacuees concerned for the future

People trickled in and out of the town community hall, which served as a registration spot for evacuees.

As flames crept toward populated areas, many evacuees sought shelter in the town of Lac du Bonnet. Local businesses shut down as community members focused on firefighting and support efforts.

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Residents Noah Bacchus and Trystan Obirek said the wildfire’s impact is deeply felt in a town where everyone knows one another.

“It’s horrible. You are just hoping and praying for the families here,” said Bacchus. “It just shows you that everyone is looking out for each other around here.”

“It’s really scary,” added Obirek. “It was getting bad where I live. And we were worried about getting evacuated.”

Both expressed concern about how early wildfires are hitting this year, raising fears for what lies ahead.

Cramer, who has lived in the area for eight years, was working near Pointe du Bois when the fire flared up.

“I look away for a second, I look back, and it was huge, like a mushroom cloud. And the next thing you know, everything is covered in smoke,” said Cramer.

With the May long weekend approaching, Kinew urged Manitobans to cancel any plans that involve open fires — even in areas where bans are not in place.

“No matter where you are in Manitoba, we’re asking: no fires, please,” said Kinew. “Any fire that gets out of control, even in a region not currently facing a wildfire, could pull critical resources away from the front lines.”

–With files from The Canadian Press