Wildfires force 1,800 Garden Hill evacuees to Winnipeg; 1,000 more expected Saturday

Garden Hill Anisininew Nation leaders are calling for hotel rooms for 1,800 wildfire evacuees in Winnipeg. Another 1,000 evacuees are expected to arrive on Saturday. The remote First Nation in northeastern Manitoba has declared a mandatory evacuation order. Evacuees are staying at a congregate shelter, but some are struggling to find hotel rooms. The community is collecting donations for necessities like baby formula and diapers.

Garden Hill Anisininew Nation, a remote fly-in First Nation in northeastern Manitoba, has declared a mandatory evacuation order due to an ongoing wildfire. The community is facing an unprecedented challenge, with leaders calling for hotel rooms for approximately 1,800 evacuees in Winnipeg. An additional 1,000 evacuees are expected to arrive on Saturday.

The evacuation order, issued on Thursday, is a response to the wildfire that entered the First Nation, about 475 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg. The community is currently sheltering at a congregate shelter, but the demand for hotel rooms is high. The Manitoba government has declared a provincewide state of emergency, allowing for the use of additional facilities and shelters for evacuees [1].

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has stated that the state of emergency will allow the province to access more facilities and shelter a growing number of evacuees fleeing from their homes. The City of Winnipeg has made the Billy Mosienko Arena on Keewatin Street available to host people fleeing wildfires [1].

The Garden Hill Anisininew Nation is calling for donations to support the evacuees, particularly for necessities like baby formula and diapers. The community is urging residents to remain calm, follow all official instructions, and assist one another where possible [1].

The wildfire situation in Manitoba has escalated, with communities like Snow Lake and Leaf Rapids also affected. The province is facing significant challenges in managing the wildfires and supporting the evacuees. The Canadian Armed Forces have been assisting with the evacuation efforts, including the use of Hercules and commercial flights to transport residents [1].

The crisis highlights the need for coordinated efforts between local, provincial, and federal authorities to manage natural disasters and ensure the safety and well-being of affected communities.

References:
[1] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/garden-hill-first-nation-wildfire-evacuation-manitoba-1.7581550