The Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet is continuing its response to the out-of-control wildfire that has prompted evacuation orders for more than 1,000 households.
In an update Sunday morning on the municipality's website, it was noted that structural losses have been limited to the north Wendigo and Lettonia areas, and they are working directly with affected property owners. The fire has not crossed PR 433 into Cape Coppermine or Black Bear, nor has it reached Channel Drive or the Urban and Belluk Road areas. The Manitoba Wildfire Service and the Office of the Fire Commissioner are coordinating fire suppression efforts, with another update expected later this morning.
Evacuation status update
The state of local emergency and evacuation orders remain in effect, with the exception of Wendigo Road residents up to Newcombe Road, who were permitted to return on Thursday night. Officials say there are no changes to evacuation orders or RCMP road closures at this time.
Ongoing fire suppression efforts
Fire crews, along with local fire departments, continue to work to extinguish the fire, which spans approximately 4,000 hectares. Officials say safety remains the top priority, emphasizing that the fire remains unpredictable and that allowing residents to return too soon could result in a second evacuation. "This is a 4,000-hectare area with fires burning all over the countryside. Burning embers blow many kilometres in the wind," officials said. "We will not risk allowing residents to return back into homes that are adjacent to the fire."
Infrastructure and road damage
Over 200 hydro poles have been lost in the fire, and Manitoba Hydro is working to restore infrastructure while navigating significant road damage caused by the blaze. Heavy equipment is being used to repair damaged roads to ensure access for crews.
Property assessments and next steps
Officials stress that they do not have the resources to assess every property or notify residents individually about potential damage. They advise property owners to wait until evacuation orders are lifted to assess their homes and report damage to their insurance providers.
"Our job is to get this fire resolved as quickly as possible," officials said. "All resources are dedicated to resolving the fire situation so that we can declare the area safe and get you home."