Manitoba declares state of emergency

On May 28, the Government of Manitoba declared a provincewide state of emergency as wildfires intensified, threatening communities in northern and eastern Manitoba.

Evacuation orders have been issued for the city of Flin Flon, Pimicikamak Cree Nation and the northern community of Cross Lake, along with Pukatawagan Cree Nation, also known as Mathias Colomb First Nation. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew estimates that approximately 17,000 people will be evacuated — the majority sheltering in Winnipeg.

“This is the largest evacuation in many Manitobans’ living memory,” said Kinew.

Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) is monitoring the unfolding disaster and will offer support, alongside other faith-based and voluntary organizations, when needed.

“We urge you to pray for the evacuees, wildfire survivors, responders and their families as they leave their homes and face uncertain roads ahead,” said MDS Canada Executive Director Ross Penner.

Penner noted that wildfire cleanup work requires special toxic debris removal. Compared to other disasters, this means a longer waiting period before volunteers can help residents repair and rebuild, on the ground. “Long-term recovery from wildfires can take years.”

MDS Canada is currently responding in two British Columbia communities — the North Shuswap and Lytton — where wildfires devastated residents two and four years ago respectively.

“At MDS, we seek to offer long-term hope to disaster survivors. Our hearts go out to our neighbours across the province, who are impacted by the spreading wildfires,” said Penner from Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Nikki Hamm Gwala, MDS Canada Communications