Two weeks on, Nopiming Provinicial Park wildfire still raging out of control

A massive wildfire burning in Manitoba’s Nopiming Provincial Park remains out of control two weeks after it began, with crews from several provinces battling the blaze as it grows beyond 115,000 hectares.

The fire has forced ongoing evacuations, with more than 100 residents still displaced from the Poplar Bay area and communities to the north. While some residents have been allowed to return, others remain under evacuation orders.

“There are still some people who aren’t getting that information and they’re very upset about it,” said Jack Brisco, mayor of the RM of Alexander. “But we’re trying to give them the most up-to-date information we can. And until Wildfires Manitoba says they can go home, they’re not going home.”

While firefighting efforts by local teams and crews from British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario have made progress, Brisco said they need some help from Mother Nature.

The Rural Municipality of Alexander is urging residents to register to receive up-to-date information and emergency notifications.

Nopiming, Wallace Lake, South Atikaki and Manigotagan River provincial parks remain under a state of emergency and are closed to the public.

Meanwhile, wildfire smoke is threatening the Pimicikamak Cree Nation. The community has begun evacuating residents with respiratory issues and other health concerns.

“Of course, nobody wants to leave home because they’re leaving loved ones and they’re leaving their homes, so they’re worried. But they’re also worried about their health,” said Chief David Monias.

“We do that because we have lost people in the past due to the smoke that came into the community.”

The region is currently threatened by two wildfires, including one that has spread to 1,500 hectares.

Both Brisco and Monias say the priority is protecting lives as the fires continue to burn

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