A wildfire, spread by heavy winds, destroyed at least seven homes in Tataskweyak Cree Nation (Split Lake), Manitoba, on Friday, forcing the evacuation of about 175 people to Gillam. This incident follows previous states of emergency in the community due to wildfires and a water treatment plant issue. Other nearby First Nations and towns are also affected by wildfires.
'Absolutely horrendous day' in Tataskweyak Cree Nation as wildfire destroys at least 7 homes
ManitobaFirst Nations peopleFiresWildfiresEvacuations
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A wildfire, spread by heavy winds, destroyed at least seven homes in Tataskweyak Cree Nation (Split Lake), Manitoba, on Friday, forcing the evacuation of about 175 people to Gillam. This incident follows previous states of emergency in the community due to wildfires and a water treatment plant issue. Other nearby First Nations and towns are also affected by wildfires.
Trending- 1 May 29, 2025: Tataskweyak declared state of emergency due to nearby wildfire
- 2 May 30, 2025: Evacuation order issued for Tataskweyak
- 3 June 17, 2025: Tataskweyak lifted May evacuation order, then declared new state of emergency due to water treatment plant issue
- 4 Friday, July 4, 2025: Wildfire ignited and destroyed homes in Tataskweyak, Chief Doreen Spence urged evacuation to Gillam, Lynn Lake residents began evacuating
- 5 Saturday, July 5, 2025: About 175 people taken to Gillam recreation centre, fire crews from Gillam and York Factory First Nation expected, Thompson mayor reported fire 8 km away from city
- Destruction of at least 7 homes
- Evacuation of approximately 175 people from Tataskweyak Cree Nation
- Highway closures (Highway 280, Highway 391)
- Continued high fire danger in western and northeastern Manitoba
- Evacuation of Marcel Colomb First Nation and Lynn Lake residents
- Increased strain on resources and communities in northern Manitoba
What: A wildfire destroyed at least seven homes and forced evacuations.
When: Friday, July 4, 2025 (homes destroyed); Saturday, July 5, 2025 (news report, further evacuations, fire crews expected). Previous states of emergency declared May 29, 2025, and June 17, 2025.
Where: Tataskweyak Cree Nation (also known as Split Lake), Manitoba, Canada. Evacuees went to Gillam. Other affected areas include Marcel Colomb First Nation, Lynn Lake, and Thompson.
Why: Wildfire ignited and was quickly spread by heavy winds. The region has a high to very high fire danger, with some pockets of extreme fire danger.
How: Heavy winds spread the fire, leading to destruction and forced evacuations. RCMP escorted community members. Fire crews from Gillam and York Factory First Nation are assisting. Highway closures were implemented.