Evacuees from the Manitoba wildfires will return home on Sunday

Cranberry Portage evacuees were allowed to return home Sunday after hundreds of people were evacuated due to a large wildfire threatening the area.

The province said on Friday some evacuees were able to go home as firefighters continued to battle nearby fires.

More than 500 people were evacuated from Cranberry Portage, Man., and another 200 from nearby areas.

Areas included Cranberry Portage and cottage subdivisions of Whitefish Lake, Twin Lakes, Schist Lake and Acid Bay.

David Tait is one of those evacuees. She eventually settled in Winnipeg after leaving her home and says it was a storm when she and her 11-year-old daughter were told to leave.

“Their fire department, ambulance crews, police officers, everyone zoomed in on the city with their lights and sent messages over loudspeakers that we had 10 minutes to get out. So, take the bag and go out,” Tait said.

After leaving, she said her daughter had trouble breathing and was admitted to a hospital in Paz. They stayed a few days in Swan River and then came to Winnipeg, the government paying for a hotel room in the city.

Although he was allowed to return home, he plans to stay in the hotel until Tuesday. He said he was glad they were allowed to go home, but had some concerns.

“I'm reluctant to take my daughter back because of the fumes and bad breathing, especially since she was in the hospital when we left.

“I mean, living in a hotel room with a dog and two cats and my 11-year-old daughter is no fun…I'm so glad it's all safe, but again…I don't want to be stuck in one place. It's a situation we'll come back to and it's a repeat situation because it's been quite a challenge.”

Tait expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all the people who are helping to fight the forest fire and their work in keeping the fire away from the city.

“Times like this bring people together. They've done a great job. I mean, since Saturday, the fire's only about half a mile into the city. So they've really surprised him.”

The latest information from the province's fire map shows the wildfire is still out of control and is less than 37,000 hectares in size. However, the province said Friday that the fire line near Cranberry Portage is under control.

The province announced that Highway 10 has reopened after being closed due to smoke from the fire. He also noted that there are no other fire-related travel restrictions in the area.