Hundreds of individuals were compelled to vacate a portion of the cottage region in eastern Manitoba due to an escalating wildfire near Lac du Bonnet that rapidly intensified on Tuesday afternoon and evening. Loren Schinkel, the reeve of the rural municipality of Lac du Bonnet, described the situation as dire, mentioning that the evacuation order had been extended multiple times to accommodate approximately 800 to 1,000 displaced residents.
Despite cooler temperatures entering the province, concerns remained as the wildfire continued to burn. The shift in winds from the north raised worries that the flames may cross Highway 313 again. Schinkel praised the efforts of emergency responders and volunteers who worked tirelessly to protect lives and properties, noting significant losses in the Wendigo Beach area.
The wildfire near Lac du Bonnet was among 24 active fires in Manitoba, stated provincial officials at a news briefing. Kristin Hayward from the Manitoba Emergency Management Organization highlighted the uncontrollable nature of the fire, citing challenging weather conditions and the need for more precipitation.
The fire had spread to about 3,000 hectares by noon on Wednesday, with crews prioritizing containment efforts in Lac du Bonnet due to its manageable behavior compared to other more volatile fires. The atypical fire season prompted concerns, with Hayward emphasizing the need for early preparedness.
Updates on the wildfire situation can be found on the Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet website. Emergency coordinator John Fleming assured immediate property assessments to inform affected individuals about their properties’ status. Damage assessments were ongoing, with power outages hindering the return of residents until necessary repairs were completed.
Additional RCMP officers were deployed to assist with evacuations and maintain security measures in the Lac du Bonnet region. Evacuation orders for various subdivisions were issued as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety.
Residents like Clint Grzebeniak shared their anxieties about potential property loss and the emotional toll of leaving cherished memories behind. Community efforts, including volunteer support and emergency shelters, showcased the unity and resilience during the crisis.
In Whiteshell Provincial Park, evacuation orders were issued due to an uncontrollable wildfire, prompting Manitoba Hydro to shut down certain facilities to safeguard against fire threats. Hydro crews were actively mitigating risks and assessing damages in affected areas.
Individuals affected by the evacuations expressed concerns about property safety and the uncertainty of the situation. Despite challenges, residents remained vigilant and hopeful for the containment of the wildfires that posed a threat to their homes and communities.