Evacuations Underway for Marcel Colomb First Nation and O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation Due to Wildfire Impacts

Press Release

Treaty Five Territory, Thompson, MB – Marcel Colomb First Nation has activated its evacuation plan due to ongoing wildfires and the mandatory evacuation of nearby Lynn Lake, which serves as a key supply and service hub for the First Nation. With limited access to critical resources and infrastructure, conditions are unsafe for MCFN residents to remain in their Nation, prompting the immediate evacuation of approximately 110 members.

O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation (OPCN) is currently under a State of Emergency and is evacuating priority residents, including those in need of medical assistance, as wildfire activity continues to threaten the Nation. Fire has cut off access to Highway 493, the only road access into OPCN.

OPCN leadership is also working in partnership with emergency partners to coordinate the safe evacuation of Priority 1 (P1) and Priority 2 (P2) residents. Initial air evacuations are underway, with approximately 200 priority evacuees expected to be transported today and tomorrow.

Emergency partners at the Canadian Red Cross and Indigenous Services Canada are working together to coordinate response efforts. Reception centres are being established to assist arriving evacuees.

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak’s (MKO) Emergency Management Team remains in regular communication with leadership and emergency response partners.

This is the second consecutive summer both First Nations have faced full or partial evacuations due to wildfires.

-30-

ILR5