After facing a challenging summer of wildfires, more than 2,000 residents from two First Nations and a town in northern Manitoba are finally returning home. Marcel Colomb First Nation and Pukatawagan have lifted their long-standing evacuation orders, allowing residents to head back to their communities in northwestern Manitoba. The Town of Lead Rapids is also ending its wildfire evacuation, restoring essential services to normal capacity.
Don McCallum, the chief administrative officer of Marcel Colomb, expressed the relief of residents returning home after spending months in hotels. The First Nation faced two evacuations this year due to poor air quality and wildfires, with the latest evacuation lasting for two and a half months.
Despite the fires being extinguished for almost a month, Marcel Colomb had to wait for Manitoba Hydro to repair over 200 hydro poles before restoring power. The return was delayed until electricity was fully operational last week.
In Pukatawagan, a group of over 1,700 evacuees is expected to return gradually. Deputy Chief Kelly Linklater mentioned the mixed emotions of returning home, acknowledging the losses the community suffered during the evacuation period.
Both First Nations had to wait for Manitoba Hydro to restore power before lifting the evacuation orders. To prevent further delays, Pukatawagan’s leadership purchased generators when Hydro focused on repairs rather than supplying them.
In Leaf Rapids, concerns were raised about the lack of notice given to prepare for the evacuees’ return, affecting grocery supplies and cleanup efforts. Ervin Bighetty, the owner of the town’s main grocery store, expressed worries about the challenges ahead but hoped for community support during the return process.
The province is aware of the challenges faced by returning residents and is actively working on supporting them through financial assistance programs. As of the latest fire situation report, there are still 89 active wildfires in Manitoba, surpassing the seasonal average.
Overall, the communities are gradually returning to normalcy after a tumultuous wildfire season, with efforts ongoing to aid residents in their recovery process.