Evacuations have taken place at Marcel Colomb First Nation (MCFN) following a series of fires sparked up Wednesday near Lynn Lake, causing damage at some areas near the town.
MCFN members began driving to Lynn Lake and Leaf Rapids Wednesday to avoid the fires. Later in the evening, federal government representatives called the Manitoba Red Cross to coordinate and support the evacuation.
As of Thursday afternoon, most MCFN residents had been moved to Thompson, including 140 people at one hotel. Some people who chose to stay may be heading to Thompson later Thursday.
“Our understanding is that almost all of the Cree nation is in Thompson right now,” said Canadian Red Cross communications manager Jason Small. The Red Cross provided support, food and shelter for people affected, part of a deal between the group and the federal government to provide disaster assistance to First Nations in Manitoba.
“The plan right now is for [evacuees] to be in Thompson.”
According to Manitoba Sustainable Development, 13 fires of various sized were burning near Lynn Lake and MCFN as of Thursday evening. Each were considered “out of control” by Sustainable Development. All the fires were first detected Wednesday after lighting strikes in the region. The largest blaze reported is around 1,000 hectares in size and is within three kilometres of the east side of Lynn Lake at its closest. Water bombers and other aerial firefighting equipment have been used to beat the blazes.
One fire, about 50 hectares in size near Burge Lake, has caused confirmed damage. Some structures at the Burge Lake Bible Camp near Lynn Lake have reportedly burned down, according to a provincial government spokesperson. A power line and seven power poles were burned in the community of Black Sturgeon Lake near Lynn Lake, cutting off power to the community.
“Those fires are being actioned as a priority,” said the spokesperson.
While the fire activity has ramped up, plans for an evacuation for Lynn Lake are not underway, according to town officials and the Red Cross.
“It’s up to them if they want to come down. We provide the support if they want to come down – it’s an option,” said Small of residents of Lynn Lake.
Cold and rainy conditions have been reported in the area Thursday – showers and possible thunderstorms are forecasted for the area, according to the federal weather office, with cloud cover and more possible showers forecasted for Friday.
It is currently unclear when most MCFN residents may return home.
