Volunteers were on hand, Tuesday evening, to welcome home residents from the RM of Lac du Bonnet and the RM of Alexander who had been evacuated last week, due to the wildfires.
The Lac du Bonnet Emergency Coordinator sent a notice at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday to all residents from the junction of PR 313 and Belluk Road to the junction of PR 313 and PR 315 that they may return home.
Welcoming committees were set up along PR 313 up to the PR 315 intersection.
They advise that seasonal and permanent residents living east of the Lee River returning home register with the CONNECT Emergency Notification System, and that they must have a GO KIT ready, and to be on a two-hour evacuation notice.
While great progress has been made to contain the wildfires, residents are encouraged to stay alert and be safe. The Emergency Coordinator asks that seasonal residents respect the full-time residents and postpone their entry into the area until the situation has fully ended.
In the meantime, the evacuation order for the RM of Lac du Bonnet subdivisions at Mascanow, Sun Lee Road, and Shuman Lane are still in effect, and motorists should note that there is a roadblock at the junction of PR 313 and PR 315.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Manitoba Wildfire Services advised that the Bird River fire remains in the “out of control” status. It noted that they are actively conducting fire suppression activities at many locations with the initial attack crews, helicopters and water bombers. It also said that much of the fire activity is not visible from our subdivisions, however, the fire remains an active threat, based on its size and fire behaviour.
“Over the next couple of days, if their suppression activities achieve their operational goals, their confidence level will increase and we get closer to a time when we can allow residents to re-enter our subdivisions.”
“We understand that this is a very difficult time, waiting, and not knowing, and we can assure you that the wildfire service is doing everything within their power to achieve their goals so that they can recommend to the municipalities to lift our Evacuation Orders and allow our residents to return home.”
UPDATE as of Wednesday, 6:30 am:
“The provincial wildfire service continues to make great progress dealing with the two regional fires. Based on that progress, we have been able to safely repatriate most of our municipality. The wildfire service continues to work to bring the Bird River fire under control, and as they make more progress, we hope to be able to bring the rest of our residents on the east side home very soon.”
The message to residents continues: “We fully realize that it is a difficult process, not being home with the uncertainty of the situation, all we can ask is that you continue to be patient and trust that we are doing everything we can to get you home safely."
According to their website, if you plan to return, you need to sign up for CONNECT.
1. You can click this link to sign up online: https://lacdubonnet.allnetconnect.ca/Pubs/register.aspx
2. You can call the RM office if you don’t have access to a computer or smartphone. 204-345-2619
3. You can print the form and fax it to the RM office at 204-345-6716.
4. Fill in the form and email it to the RM office at: rmldb@lacdubonnet.com