‘We need help’: Wildfire evacuee still waiting for financial aid

A wildfire near Wanless, Man., south of Cranberry Portage, on May 29, 2025. (Submitted: Manitoba government)

One wildfire evacuee from northern Manitoba is speaking out on the lack of support from the Canadian Red Cross, despite being promised financial support.

Natasha Synott, an evacuee from Cranberry Portage, said that 10 days have passed since her family left their community due to a mandatory evacuation order. She is still waiting on financial assistance from the Canadian Red Cross.

“It’s just been a complete roller coaster with them,” said Synott, who is currently in a hotel in The Pas with her family.

Synott said that despite registering and receiving a registration number on June 1, she is not sure when she will see any financial assistance.

Despite multiple calls, Synott said the Canadian Red Cross will not tell her when she can expect financial relief.

Synott said the RM of Kelsey is financing their hotel rooms, but that they have not received any other assistance.

“We have no other income for anything else at this point,” she said.

“This has been one heck of a ride, and we need help. We really need help.”

Financial support available for wildfire evacuees: province

According to the province’s website, the provincial and federal governments are providing financial support to Manitoba wildfire evacuees through the Canadian Red Cross and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak.

To be eligible for financial support, evacuees must be a permanent resident of Manitoba with a primary residence that falls under a mandatory evacuation order that was issued on or after May 23, 2025.

Evacuees must also be registered with the Canadian Red Cross and have their identity confirmed.

The province said financial support for eligible evacuees will be $34 per day for individuals 13 years old and older and $27 per day for each child that is 12 years old or younger.

The first payment will cover two weeks, with other payments issued based on the duration of the evacuation orders, according to the province.

Synott said her family made the six-hour drive to The Pas when they were evacuated after being told of an evacuation centre in the town. She said that the closure of Highway 10 from a fire added hours to their trip.

Upon arriving in The Pas, Synott said no evacuee centre could be found.

“They ended up closing up and leaving before we even got here,” she said.

Synott said her partner is not well and they cannot make another long drive to an evacuation centre.

“I’m just praying for everybody in this situation.”

In an emailed statement from the Canadian Red Cross, a spokesperson said that the congregate shelter in The Pas was operated by the community themselves and that they provided cots for the shelter.

“The response in Manitoba is large and complex, and volunteers and staff are working around the clock to help people as quickly as possible,” said the spokesperson.

“The Red Cross began processing financial assistance to households this past weekend and payments are continuing to be made as quickly as possible.”