A Northern Manitoba community has declared a state of emergency, after a fire destroyed its only grocery store and band office Thursday.
Chief Jeffrey Napaokesik of Shamattawa First Nation said his community is devastated.
“It’s kind of a shock to us this was unexpected,” said Napaokesik.
He said the fire started in the band office mid-afternoon on Thursday, as the staff was away at a funeral several kilometers away.
“The band office completely burned down the walls collapsed,” said Napaokesik.
The community’s only general store, radio station and post office were also destroyed in the fire.
Napaokesik said he is in contact with the Indigenous and Northern Development Canada and the North West Company.
The community will also set up an emergency store in a separate location, but according to Napaokesik supplies will be scarce for the 1,500 people living on the reserve.
“There will be no supply for groceries, baby formula, and water,” said Napaokesik.
The community will also use the community school for communication.
No injuries have been reported.
No word on the cause of the fire.
Shmattawa First Nation is about 750-kilometres northeast of Winnipeg. The only way to reach the remote community is by plane.
More to come.
