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A First Nation in northeastern Manitoba has declared a state of emergency due to a smoke from a nearby wildfire which has also left the community without power.
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Red Sucker Lake Anisininew Nation (RSLAN), which is about 700 km northeast of Winnipeg, issued the notice early Saturday morning. Some vulnerable residents were evacuated from the community earlier this week because of wildfire smoke.
According to a news release, fires had cut off the hydropower supply to the community, leaving Red Sucker Lake without a primary source of power. Community officials said more RSLAN members are being evacuated as a result.
“Our community is facing an unprecedented crisis,” RSLAN Chief Samuel Knott said in the release. “The loss of our hydropower supply amid these forest fires has left us vulnerable.”
In a Facebook post, Manitoba Hydro said around 300 customers in Red Sucker Lake were without power but crews finished a helicopter patrol and “thankfully found less damage than there could have been from the wildfire.”
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Power was restored by 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
However, the community is requesting a backup power generator to “offer a temporary solution and help us build resilience against future threats.”
Red Sucker Lake Anisininew Nation is also calling on the provincial and federal government for emergency funding to assist residents with transportation, temporary housing, and other essential needs.
““The costs associated with evacuating and supporting our members are significant. Emergency funding is crucial to ensure we can provide the necessary support during this critical time,” Chief Knott said. “We urgently request the government’s swift and decisive action to help us through this crisis.”
In its fire bulletin Friday, the province said there are 70 active wildfires across the province, with a total of 191 wildfires to date. Lightning and human caused fires continue to persist with no significant precipitation in the short-term forecast. The wildfires include a 29,741-hectare blaze about 40 km west of Red Sucker Lake.
In addition to Red Sucker Lake First Nation, residents of God’s Lake First Nation, Manto Sipi Cree Nation, Wasagamack First Nation and St. Theresa Point First Nation have been evacuated due to smoke in the area.
“(Manitoba Wildfire Service) continues to focus on protecting Manitoba Hydro infrastructure and the Bell communication tower which services the Island Lake area,” the bulletin read. “Value protection has been set up on values at risk within the vicinity of this fire.”
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