'Very serious turn' in Leaf Rapids wildfires forces essential workers to leave as fire crews battle on

Leaf Rapids fire crews had to temporarily retreat from the frontlines of wildfire fighting Wednesday as one of several fires threatened the northern Manitoba community.

In a statement posted to Facebook at 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday, the town's administration said the wildfire burning northwest of the town jumped the Churchill River and began spreading through the community's industrial area.

"While there was a very serious turn in the fire situation last night it is important to note that crews from the Office of the Fire Commissioner and the Manitoba Fire service (local and municipal firefighters) did not evacuate the town last night," a provincial spokesperson said in a statement Thursday.

"Essential workers did leave, but the emergency crews dedicated to protecting the community did not leave and remained at the community while the fire passed through."

The Manitoba government spokesperson said some vacant structures have been lost to fires and one occupied residence has been damaged as of Thursday morning.

The province is expected to provide an update on the status of the firefight in Leaf Rapids on Thursday.

The announcement comes as Leaf Rapids evacuees anxiously watch for updates as fires surround the community.

The Leaf Rapids community Facebook page suggested all personnel, including firefighters, had to evacuate Wednesday night due to spreading wildfire and thick smoke. The post said firefighters may not be returning for some time.

A provincial spokesperson told CBC News Thursday morning that municipal fire crews did not evacuate. Instead, they retreated to previously established "safe zones" for a time, before returning and resuming their work.

The province's wildfire map showed that fire was more than 2,500 hectares in size as of Tuesday. It is the smallest of the three major wildfires surrounding the community. 

Another fire southwest of the community has grown to more than 30,300 hectares, while a wildfire to the east has burned 15,500 hectares as of Tuesday, the province's data showed. 

All three wildfires are out of control. 

Leaf Rapids, located about 155 kilometres northwest of Thompson, declared a state of emergency on July 7. The town told its 300 residents they had to leave within 24 hours. 

The town has been without a mayor and council — and has been run by a provincially-appointed administrator — since the council was dissolved in 2019, following the resignations of several members.

Ervin Bighetty has been staying in a Winnipeg hotel alongside his family since they were evacuated two weeks ago. 

He said returning to Leaf Rapids doesn't seem realistic right now.  

"I don't know when we're going to go home, if we're going to have a home to go to," Bighetty said. 

"But what matters to me is that my family is safe. I know where they are, I can go down the hallway and go see them," he said.