Two more First Nations communities in Manitoba's Island Lake region, St. Theresa Point and Wasagamack, have declared states of emergency due to out-of-control wildfires, preparing to evacuate 500 vulnerable residents starting Monday. This follows earlier evacuations from Garden Hill Anisininew Nation. Wildfires are also threatening Thompson, Manitoba's largest northern city, where residents are preparing for possible evacuation, though recent weather has aided firefighting efforts. International firefighters are expected to arrive to assist.
3 of 4 Island Lake communities under states of emergency due to Manitoba wildfires
ManitobaThompsonWinnipegAnisininew OkimawinCity of ThompsonGarden Hill Anisininew NationSt. Theresa Point First NationWasagamack First NationColleen SmookGrand Chief Alex McDougallTimothy MentuckFirst Nations peopleFiresWildfiresEvacuations
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Two more First Nations communities in Manitoba's Island Lake region, St. Theresa Point and Wasagamack, have declared states of emergency due to out-of-control wildfires, preparing to evacuate 500 vulnerable residents starting Monday. This follows earlier evacuations from Garden Hill Anisininew Nation. Wildfires are also threatening Thompson, Manitoba's largest northern city, where residents are preparing for possible evacuation, though recent weather has aided firefighting efforts. International firefighters are expected to arrive to assist.
Trending- 1 Thursday: Garden Hill Anisininew Nation started evacuating residents
- 2 Last 24 hours: St. Theresa Point and Wasagamack First Nations declared states of emergency
- 3 Sunday: Wasagamack Chief Walter Harper spoke with Premier Wab Kinew; Canadian Armed Forces evacuated over 1,550 residents from Island Lake region; Thompson Mayor Colleen Smook provided update on fire progress
- 4 Monday: Evacuations of vulnerable residents from St. Theresa Point and Wasagamack expected to begin
- Declaration of local states of emergency
- Evacuation of vulnerable residents (500 from St. Theresa Point and Wasagamack, 750+ from Garden Hill)
- Deteriorating air quality
- Risk to hydro corridors and power supply
- Strain on emergency services and shelters
- Displacement of residents
What: Wildfires are spreading across Manitoba, leading to states of emergency and evacuations in multiple First Nations communities and threatening the city of Thompson.
When: States of emergency declared in the last 24 hours; evacuations for St. Theresa Point and Wasagamack begin Monday; Garden Hill evacuations began Thursday; Sunday (weather conditions, Premier spoke).
Where: Manitoba, specifically the Island Lake region (St. Theresa Point, Wasagamack First Nation, Garden Hill Anisininew Nation) and Thompson. Evacuees are being sheltered in Winnipeg.
Why: Out-of-control wildfires, deteriorating air quality due to smoke, and concerns about fires growing closer to hydro corridors that could cut off power to communities.
How: Communities declared states of emergency, vulnerable residents are being evacuated by air, firefighting efforts are underway with ground crews, water bombers, and incoming international assistance from New Zealand and Mexico.