A fast-moving wildfire destroyed 7 homes in Tataskweyak Cree Nation, displacing nearly 200 residents. Manitoba faces rising wildfire threats.
Fire Destroys Homes, Sparks Urgent Evacuation in Tataskweyak
A devastating wildfire tore through Tataskweyak Cree Nation on Friday, destroying at least seven homes and forcing approximately 175 residents to evacuate. The fire, driven by intense winds, rapidly engulfed parts of the community, also known as Split Lake, located over 700 kilometres north of Winnipeg.
Displaced Families Relocated to Gillam
In a coordinated emergency response, Tataskweyak Chief Doreen Spence urged residents to gather at the band office for RCMP escort to the nearby town of Gillam, roughly 90 kilometres east. Evacuees are now taking shelter at Gillam’s recreation centre as fire crews from both Gillam and York Factory First Nation arrived Saturday to assist in battling the blaze.
Recurring Crisis Amid Infrastructure Struggles
The community has faced a series of escalating emergencies. A state of emergency was first declared on May 29 due to wildfire threats, with evacuations ordered shortly after. Although the initial order was lifted on June 17, a water treatment plant failure prompted a second emergency declaration, further delaying residents’ return. Friday’s fire has now triggered another wave of displacement.
Northern Routes Cut Off by Fires
Highway 280, a crucial link from Tataskweyak to Thompson, remains closed due to fire activity. Similarly, Highway 391 to Lynn Lake and Marcel Colomb First Nation was shut down Friday night, halting ground access. These closures complicate evacuation logistics and emergency response in the region.
Other First Nations Also Forced to Flee
Tataskweyak is not alone. Marcel Colomb First Nation began a second evacuation Friday, only weeks after returning home. Approximately 600 Lynn Lake residents are again being relocated. O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation has moved around 150 medically vulnerable residents to Winnipeg, and Pimicikamak Cree Nation flew out 179 priority medical evacuees as wildfire risks persist.
Manitoba Battles Dozens of Active Wildfires
The Manitoba Wildfire Service reported 64 active wildfires across the province as of Friday, with 205 total fires recorded this season — surpassing the average of 176. High to extreme fire danger levels remain in western and northeastern Manitoba despite the lifting of the earlier provincewide emergency.
Thompson on Alert as Flames Approach
In Thompson, a key northern hub located southeast of Tataskweyak, officials are monitoring a wildfire burning just eight kilometres from the city. Mayor Colleen Smook said wind direction was temporarily in their favour, but she urged residents to prepare for possible evacuation. “There is no panic right now,” she said, “but anything could change in a matter of hours.”
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