CHVN

A beloved wilderness camp operated by a Winnipeg inner-city ministry is under immediate threat from a fast-moving wildfire near Nopiming Provincial Park.

Kent Dueck, founder and executive director of Inner City Youth Alive, says the fire is now burning less than one kilometre from Gem Lake Wilderness Camp, a remote site that has served as a safe haven for at-risk youth from Winnipeg's inner city for nearly two decades.

"We're praying for a miracle," Dueck told CHVN in an interview Friday morning. “Right now, the camp’s future is in the balance.”

A ministry in Winnipeg that caters to people who feel like they've never fit in at church is moving. 

Risen Son Church, which was located on Machray Avenue in the North End, will host its first service in its new location on Chevrier Boulevard in the south end this Sunday.

Over 3,000 people are trapped as a wildfire closes in on Pukatawagan in the Mathais Colomb First Nation. 

Chief Gordie Bear declared an evacuation in the community on Wednesday, and it's reported that thick smoke led to the closure of their airport, one of the only remaining ways out of the area. 

As of Thursday, the fire had grown to over 9,700 hectares and was quickly surrounding the remote island community. 

Judith Moore said on Facebook she was evacuated from her home at 3 a.m.

Funeral For:  Clara Kehler nee Loeppky 
Funeral Date: June 1, 2025 
Clara Kehler nee Loeppky, 90, of Altona passed away Wednesday, May 28th at Eastview Place. She is survived by her husband Alvin Kehler, their children Denise (Tim) Fast, and Garth Kehler, as well as 3 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
The celebration of life for Clara Kehler nee Loeppky will be held Sunday, June 1st at 2pm at Altona Bergthaler Mennonite Church with private burial prior to the service at Altona Cemetery. 

Funeral For:  Harry M. Neufeld 
Funeral Date: June 1, 2025 
Harry M. Neufeld, 79, of Winkler formerly of Hochfeld, passed away Tuesday, May 27th at Salem Home. He is survived by his wife Anne, 1 son, 2 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, 1 sister, and 2 brothers. He was predeceased by 4 sisters and 4 brothers. 
The funeral service for Harry M. Neufeld will be held Sunday, June 1st at 2pm at Winkler Sommerfeld Mennonite Church with burial at Hochfeld Cemtery. 

With wildfires popping up daily in Manitoba, the province has decided to implement new restrictions related to the fire ban. 

As of 8 a.m. on Friday, the Manitoba Wildfire Service has implemented Level 3 fire and travel restrictions for the entire province. 

This means:

Two youths are in custody after breaking into a vehicle and two stores at CF Polo Park and spraying security guards with bear spray. 

Winnipeg police say the incident happened on Sunday at around 9 a.m.

As wildfires continue to burn out of control in northern Manitoba, animals are being left behind or brought to safety and displaced with nothing. 

To help comfort families and their furry friends, the City of Winnipeg Animal Services has opened up their facilities as a drop-off spot for animal food donations. 

As thousands of wildfire evacuees arrive in Winnipeg, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the First Nations Family Advocate Office have teamed up to collect much-needed items for families. 

To do this, they have organized a donation drive. 

"We are collecting new or gently used, clean items to help provide comfort and basic necessities to families who have been displaced and are facing uncertainty during this difficult time," said the First Nations Family Advocate Office. "Many have left their homes with just the clothes on their backs."