Some Norway House residents forced to evacuate as wildfire nears

Wildfire forced a northern Manitoba First Nation to issue an evacuation alert for part of its community Friday afternoon, while the province’s fire danger level was high to very high amid hot and dry weather.

In a statement on social media, Norway House Cree Nation said the north side of Fort Island was being evacuated.

“Currently evacuating Hospital, Jonny K. Drive and George Apetagon Drive,” the statement said. “Due to the potential danger to life, health or property an evacuation alert is in effect for Fort Island.”

Residents who live on the island were advised to go to the community’s multiplex, which was a holding area. They were advised to gather enough clothing and essentials for a 72-hour period in case they are unable to return home.

The Manitoba Emergency Management Organization issued a wildfire warning for Norway House at 4:30 p.m.

“There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is burning in the area and conditions are changing,” the province’s MB Ready website said.

Friday evening, the First Nation said it had declared a local state of emergency and as of 6 p.m., the fire had been assessed at 1,000 hectares and was responding well to an air attack.

The Manitoba Wildfire Service reported 18 active fires across the province Friday afternoon, including a cluster that forced train passengers to disembark and spend Thursday night in hotel rooms.

In a news release, the service encouraged Manitobans to enjoy the weekend safely, with fire prevention in mind.

About 30 municipalities have imposed burning restrictions to try to prevent wildfires. The province said Friday that campfires are not allowed in Stephenfield Provincial Park between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

The restriction was put in place due to a “heavy” accumulation of poplar seeds that may ignite from sparks during hot, dry periods, the news release said.

Manitoba has recorded 33 wildfires so far this season, below the average of 82 for May 29. The causes were listed as “human” or “under investigation.”

They include nine small fires, covering about 10 hectares, between Cranberry Portage and Wanless in northern Manitoba, that forced officials to close Highway 10 for almost three hours Thursday night.

The Hudson Bay Railway, which runs parallel to the highway, had a train in the area with 48 passengers from remote Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, also known as Pukatawagan, which is accessible by rail and air.

The train came to a halt and the passengers were offered hotel rooms for the night. They were offered alternate transportation home Friday, the province said. The First Nation was evacuated for months during last year’s wildfire season.

The province said two other fires of note — one measuring about 400 hectares near Easterville and Chemawawin Cree Nation, and the other measuring about eight hectares near St. Claire and Muriel lakes in Whiteshell Provincial Park — were being held by firefighters.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a heat warning for much of Manitoba. Daytime highs in the 30s are expected this weekend.

The province urged people to comply with burning restrictions, if in place, and to otherwise keep all campfires in approved pits.

Never leave a campfire unattended, and always fully extinguish a fire by drowning ashes and embers with water before leaving, the news release said. The same advice applies when disposing ashes from wood stoves and charcoal briquettes.

People should not start fires if it is windy because wind can blow embers and ash.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca