Wildfire Evacuees Return Home as Conditions Improve in Manitoba

UPDATE: Evacuees from the Pimicikamak Cree Nation are returning home starting today, July 12, 2023, as evacuation orders are lifted for multiple northern communities in Manitoba. This significant development comes as fire conditions improve, allowing residents to reclaim their homes.

In a Facebook announcement, Chief David Monias of Pimicikamak Cree Nation confirmed that the Canadian Red Cross and community leaders issued the return notice. Buses will transport evacuees to the airport, with flights scheduled to return them to their community today.

Alongside Pimicikamak, evacuees from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation are also cleared to return today, following a phased repatriation plan approved by the chief and council. “Members with private vehicles may begin travelling back immediately, with fuel support available at designated locations,” the community stated in a post.

Evacuation orders have also been lifted for other areas including Cormorant, Kistiganwacheeng, Island Lake, and Little Grand Rapids, as confirmed by the province’s latest fire bulletin.

As conditions shift, Thompson is experiencing below-seasonal temperatures, light winds, and high humidity, which are working in favor of firefighters. According to the city’s morning update, there are no hot spots on the edges of Fire NO061, located approximately 14 kilometers north of the city. Furthermore, bulldozer lines have been completed around a jump fire that previously escaped containment.

Nearby, Fire NO050 is showing low activity, with its size now at approximately 46,000 hectares, remaining over twice the size of Fire NO061. The region is also anticipating potential rain, with forecasts suggesting up to 20 millimeters could fall by Thursday.

However, caution remains essential. The town of Snow Lake noted that limited rainfall may lead to increased fire activity this afternoon and into late tonight. Thermal scans of the surrounding area will be conducted in the upcoming days, with data analyzed in collaboration with the Manitoba Emergency Management Organization and the Manitoba Wildfire Service.

Officials are committed to providing timely updates regarding safe timelines and plans for community re-entry as soon as recommendations are formulated. The urgency of the situation underscores the need for vigilance as communities work towards recovery and rebuilding after the devastating wildfire season.

As these communities prepare for the return of their residents, the emotional impact is profound. Families will soon reunite, and a sense of normalcy can begin to take root again, marking a vital step forward in the recovery process. Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops.