Local

Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Premier tours fire-ravaged Vita

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 10/3/2012 1:25 PM | Comments: 0 | Last Modified: 10/3/2012 3:24 PM | Updates

A bridge just east of Vita collapsed after catching fire. Two wrecked cars were still smoking Wednesday morning after Tuesday's wild fire that destroyed the bridge. (KEN GIGLIOTTI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store

Related Items

Slideshows
- Blaze in Vita: October 2-3, 2012
Articles
- Vita family clings to faith after losing home to fire
- Wildfire forces evacuation of Vita

VITA — It’s an annual visit that Premier Greg Selinger would rather not make.

The premier flew in a helicopter over the Vita area Wednesday afternoon, as he did at the same time last year. In both instances, it was to inspect serious fire damage.

"This fire still needs active management," the premier told a news conference, referring to several areas in the RM of Stuartburn where crews continue to fight the fire that destroyed three homes in Vita Tuesday.

Selinger said provincial officials are on the scene to help residents in various ways, including applications to the Disaster Financial Assistance Fund.

Selinger said he appreciated the valiant effort of volunteers.

"I’m always impressed with the ways communities can mobilize," he said.

While about 60 volunteer firefighters worked to save Vita from a wildfire that destroyed the three houses, other community volunteers joined in to help in many ways.

The Vita Bible Centre supplied food and beverages as well as Tim Hortons. Steinbach Mennonite Church offered itself as a contact centre for evacuated residents and found billets for anyone in need.

Vita High School offered coffee, meeting rooms and phones.

Stuartburn Reeve Jim Swidersky said he has received many phone calls from people willing to help in any way they can.

History

Updated on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 3:24 PM CDT: updates

Fact Check

Have you found an error, or know of something we’ve missed in one of our stories? Please use the form below and let us know.

* Required

In which story did you find the error? *
Please post the headline of the story or the title of the video with the error.
What was the error? *
Please post exactly what was wrong with the story.
What should we have written?
Please indicate your source for the correct information.
Who else should we interview to improve this story?
Please include any contact information you may have.
Can we contact you in the future for advice on stories about this topic?
Yes

No
First Name: *
Last Name: *
E–mail Address: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Phone: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Colour:
Are you blue? If you can see this, leave it blank and get some CSS support.
Enter the words that you see: * This is to prevent our forms from being filled out automatically.
You have failed to correctly identify the words in the box above. Please try again.

More Local

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscribers only. why?

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press Subscribers only. why?

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.