Question Period Note: Pine Creek First Nation Wildland Fire

• The safety of First Nations people and communities is our highest priority.

• Pine Creek First Nation has declared a state of emergency due to wildfires that caused the loss of one home. Two people, who lived in the home that was lost, have been evacuated from the community.

• We are working with Pine Creek First Nation to support those affected, and to begin recovery efforts as soon as possible.

• Wildfires remain active and are being closely monitored.

• I would like to thank the first responders who put themselves at risk to protect the community.

Background

Pine Creek First Nation is located approximately 437 kilometers northwest of Winnipeg and 115 kilometers north of Dauphin. The First Nation has an on-reserve population of 637 and a total population of 3,774.

On May 17, 2020, a wildfire around Pine Creek First Nation led Chief Karen Batson to request a partial evacuation of up to 50 households through Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) – Manitoba Regional Office. At 9:15 PM ISC approved the evacuation and engaged the Canadian Red Cross (CRC) to support the needs of evacuees. Evacuees were provided accommodations and support from the CRC in Dauphin, Manitoba. In total 112 community members were evacuated from the community.

On May 18, 2020, local RCMP and provincial Conservation and Climate officials informed Pine Creek community officials that there was no longer an imminent threat to the community and evacuees were safe to return home. Value protection measures have been established on 8 homes in Pine Creek, and fire suppression efforts continue. As of May 19, 2020, 110 of 112 evacuees have returned home. Two evacuees will remain in Dauphin and continue to receive evacuee supports from the CRC. As of May 19 at 2100 CDT, fires remain active and are being closely monitored. No residents have presented to the Health Centre with respiratory-related health issues. Elders from 14 homes in a section of the community experiencing heavy smoke conditions were relocated to other residences within the First Nation.
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On May 20, Manitoba Regional Operations was advised by Chief Batson that a state of local emergency has been declared by the First Nation.
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Manitoba Hydro indicated there was no loss of power to the community and that repairs to damaged poles will be scheduled within the next few days. Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner is supporting local response efforts and investigating the cause of the fire.

If pressed on COVID-19 precautions for evacuees
• The safety of First Nations people and communities is our highest priority. This has never been more important than now.
• The Emergency Pandemic team in Pine Creek First Nation employed measures during the evacuation and repatriation to ensure there was minimal contact outside of household groups.

If pressed on the cause of the fire
• The cause of the fire is under investigation by the RCMP and the provincial Office of the Fire Commissioner.

If pressed on the role of the Canadian Red Cross
• Indigenous Services Canada has an agreement with the Canadian Red Cross to support the needs of people evacuated from Manitoba First Nations; this includes accommodation costs and evacuee benefits.
• The Canadian Red Cross may provide emergency food and clothing, emergency lodging, reception and information, personal services and family reunification services. Evacuees are also entitled to receive a daily allowance to offset additional costs.