Manitoba First Nation evacuated due to nearby wildfires, one home destroyed
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 05/05/2025 (327 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
PEGUIS FIRST NATION – A tribal council representing seven First Nations in Manitoba’s Interlake region has declared a state of emergency as wildfires have destroyed homes and continue to threaten some communities.
The Interlake Reserves Tribal Council said homes in Pinaymootang and Peguis First Nations have burned down as nearby wildfires spread over the weekend because of high winds, hot temperatures and dry conditions.
The tribal council said two wildfires on each side of the road into Kinonjeoshtegon First Nation are rapidly approaching and the community has begun evacuation efforts.
Peguis First Nation declared a state of emergency on Sunday evening as nearby wildfires spread, resulting in the loss of at least one home and several garages and outbuildings.
In a social media post Monday morning, Peguis said 340 evacuees were sent to Selkirk and Winnipeg due to heavy smoke, dangerous conditions and health risks, and another 60 were impacted but chose to stay in the community.
It said the main wildfire is under control, but small fires continue to burn and crews remain active in the area to monitor hot spots and prevent flare-ups.
The post said one family lost their home Sunday and the total damage of other structure losses is still being assessed.
“The losses our community has faced are heartbreaking,” Chief Stan Bird said in a news release issued Monday by Interlake Reserves Tribal Council.
“We are mobilizing all available resources and working hand in hand with emergency services to protect lives and property.”
The tribal council said an emergency command centre is being set up at a Winnipeg hotel to co-ordinate local, provincial and federal agencies.
It added ground crews and aerial support are fighting the fires while ensuring the safety of residents.
“We are in a critical situation that requires immediate action and support. Our thoughts are with those who have lost their homes, and we are committed to providing all necessary resources to safeguard our communities,” said tribal council chairman Chief Cornell McLean.
Manitoba RCMP and the Canadian Red Cross confirmed they helped with evacuation efforts in Peguis.
Police say the cause of the fire is being investigated.
There are 17 active fires in Manitoba.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 5, 2025.