The STATE OF LOCAL EMERGENCY and the EVACUATION ORDERS remain in place with the exception of the Wendigo Road residents up to Newcombe Road that were permitted access on Thursday, May 15 at 8 p.m.
Evacuation orders and RCMP road closures/barricades remain in place. Evacuation orders have not changed since yesterday.
Manitoba Wildfire crews along with our local fire departments, Office of the Fire Commissioner, and other Emergency responders continue to work to extinguish the Out of Control EA62 Wendigo/Lee River fire in the RM of Lac du Bonnet.
Our top priority remains the safety of our residents, which is why the mandatory evacuation remains in place. Our job is to get this fire resolved as quickly as possible. This is a 4,000 hectare area with fires burning all over the countryside. Burning embers blow many kilometres in the wind. We will not risk allowing residents to return back into homes that are adjacent to the fire and have a second evacuation.
More than 200 Hydro poles were lost in the area. Hydro is diligently working to restore their infrastructure. Municipal roads have been damaged to the point of needing repair in order for the Hydro equipment to continue their work. This all takes time, heavy construction equipment and resources.
We do not have resources to assess every property, notify residents whether their property has sustained damage, nor to escort residents into the area to view their property. We have evacuated over 1000 households and cannot take photos of individual properties. When the evacuation order is lifted, you will be able to assess your property, and report any damage to your insurance company.
All resources are dedicated to resolving the fire situation so that we can declare the area safe and get you home. Thank you for your patience.
Follow the LAC DU BONNET EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FACEBOOK PAGE for all updates.
