Over 2,000 residents from two First Nations and a town in northern Manitoba who were displaced by wildfires this summer are now returning to their residences after spending several months in hotels due to the severe wildfire season in decades.
Don McCallum, the chief administrative officer of Marcel Colomb First Nation, expressed the community’s joy in returning home after an extended evacuation period that lasted the entire summer, longer than initially anticipated.
Marcel Colomb and Pukatawgan (Mathias Colomb First Nation), which were evacuated in early July and late May respectively, have now rescinded the longest-standing mandatory evacuation orders in the province. Residents have begun the journey back to their communities in northwestern Manitoba this week.
Meanwhile, the Town of Leaf Rapids, which has been under a wildfire evacuation order since July 8, is also preparing to welcome back evacuees.
McCallum highlighted the challenges faced by evacuees during their stay in hotels, mentioning feelings of isolation and difficulty adjusting to urban life away from their homes. The return was delayed due to the destruction of over 200 hydro poles by the fires, leaving Marcel Colomb without electricity until recently.
Manitoba Hydro expedited the restoration of power, enabling around 100 residents to return to Marcel Colomb, with the rest expected to follow by the weekend.
In Pukatawagan, more than 1,700 evacuees are scheduled to return throughout the upcoming week. However, the community mourns the loss of 12 members during the evacuation period. Efforts were made to allow families to bid farewell to their departed loved ones during the evacuation.
Leaf Rapids is also gearing up for the return of approximately 300 evacuees next week. Concerns have been raised about the availability of fresh food in local stores upon residents’ return. The town has put measures in place for a smooth transition back, including support from the Canadian Red Cross and public health staff.
Despite challenges, the province is actively working to assist returning residents, including reviewing the disaster financial assistance program. The fire situation report indicates that Manitoba is still battling 89 active wildfires, surpassing the average number for this time of year.