Thousands Flee Manitoba First Nation as Wildfires Rage

Strategic Insights -

Thousand of people have fled from a First Nation in northern Manitoba as wildfires continue to burn closer and closer to the community. The Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, with a population of roughly 4,000 residents, issued a full evacuation order on Sunday, which was upgraded to a mandatory evacuation on Monday. The community's residents were busing to the Thompson Airport, about 75 kilometres away, to fly to Winnipeg.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, also called Nelson House, has issued a full evacuation order, affecting approximately 4,000 residents.
  • The community was upgraded to a mandatory evacuation on Monday due to the increasing threat of wildfires.
  • Wildfire crews have identified several new fire starts, with at least two wildfires burning north of Nisichawayasihk, including one over 460 square kilometres in size.
  • Over 1,300 people have registered with the Canadian Red Cross in Winnipeg as of Monday, with more expected to arrive.
  • Residents have been evacuated to the Thompson Airport to fly to Winnipeg, with the Canadian Red Cross providing essentials like hygiene packs and snacks.
  • The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre reports almost 750 wildfires across Canada, with multiple evacuation orders issued in Manitoba and Newfoundland.
  • The Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Chief, Angela Levasseur, has expressed concerns to the government, stating "We have escalated our concerns to the highest levels of government - including the Premier of Manitoba and the Prime Minister of Canada - to make our needs and demands clear on behalf of our citizens."

Statistics:

  • Approximately 4,000 residents of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation have been affected by the evacuation order.
  • Over 1,300 people have registered with the Canadian Red Cross in Winnipeg.
  • The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre reports almost 750 wildfires across Canada.
  • One wildfire burning north of Nisichawayasihk is over 460 square kilometres in size.
  • A 150-hectare wildfire in Newfoundland has come within one kilometre of the town of Kingston, leading to evacuation orders.
  • The BC Wildfire Service reports the Wesley Ridge wildfire on Vancouver Island has grown to over five square kilometres.

Sources:

  • The Canadian Press
  • Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Chief Angela Levasseur's social media post
  • Manitoba's wildfire service
  • Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, an advocacy group representing some northern First Nations
  • The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre