Hundreds return to Lac du Bonnet, some areas remain evacuated

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Some wildfire evacuees still waiting to go home

Wildfire update from Lac du Bonnet

Hundreds of evacuees have been allowed to return to their homes in Lac du Bonnet, while hundreds more are still waiting due to a fire near Bird River.

The rural municipality’s reeve, Loren Schinkel, told CTV News as of Tuesday morning, about 650 residents were allowed back into the area.

“Unfortunately, the province indicates that they still have concerns,” Schinkel said, noting about 150 people are still waiting to return home.

“We ask for their continued patience, because as soon as it’s safe to have our residents return, that’s what we’re focused on.”

A notice on the RM’s website Tuesday noted the Grausdin Point and north Wendigo areas are still under evacuation order.

Schinkel said the main concern is the Bird River fire in the RM of Alexander, which could impact the Channel Drive region along with Pinawa Bay and Sunset Bay.

“We’re hopeful today that we’ll get some movement on that,” Schinkel said.

Last week, the RM confirmed 28 homes and cottages were lost in the Wendigo Road area.

Schinkel said those residents are set to see the aftermath firsthand on Wednesday.

“They should be the first to see the loss, and our heart really goes out to them,” he said. “I know it’s going to be a very, very difficult day for them.”

Hundreds of evacuees still waiting amid fire fight near Bird River

The fire burning in Bird River is more than 101,000 hectares in size and remains out of control as of Monday.

Alexander mayor Jack Briscoe said as per the municipality’s last estimate, more than 400 residents and cottage owners are still waiting to return to the area.

“Right now, we are advised not to be returning to our area, and that’s the way it is,” Briscoe said. “It’s not like it’s all on fire. It’s smoking. It has been burnt in most places, but it could pick up.”

He noted fire crews have been working to protect properties, noting so far not a single residence or cabin has been destroyed in the Bird River area.

He reminded residents that outdoor fires or off-road vehicles are still prohibited under a fire ban in the area.

“If you get a grass fire on your land and the wind picks up, it could be going. And we have everybody right now involved from our area to look after that fire in Bird River,” he said.

He urged residents to use the RM’s Connect service, which can notify residents on short notice of any evacuation orders or changes. Details can be found on the RM’s website.

Schinkel and Briscoe said meetings with the Manitoba Wildfire Service are ongoing.