Electricity returns to Sapotaweyak; hundreds of evacuees may not be far behind

More than a week after aforest fire endangeredSapotaweyakCree Nation, the electricity isback on andevacuees may be able to return home shortly.

EphremSakayigun, an elder who stayed behind, says chief and council are hopeful people can returnas early as Wednesday but thetimeline would be tight.

He said Sapotaweyakis still feeling the effects of the fire.

"Waking up here in the mornings, the smoke is still unbearable. It's crazy," saidSakayigun, adding the airclearsup by the afternoon.

A Red Cross official, however, wouldn't peg a date on when the evacuation order mightbe lifted.

Sakayigunwas among 20 people whom NelsonGenaille,chief of the First Nation, delegated to stay behind to fight the fire and begin the community's recovery effort. The forest fire forced an evacuation of Sapotaweyak,about 400 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, beginningon May 20.

The fire eventually crossed the river and came within 50 feet ofsomehomes, he said.

"Wecould just literally, literally see the smoke, the sparks going right over us it was that close," saidSakayigun. "They were sprinkling water on the roofs close by."

The suppression effort pushedthe fire away. It continues to burn, but a distance away, he said.

The recent rain and high humidity was credited with keeping the blaze at bay, the province said in a statement.

Evacuees will be surprised

"I don't wantanybody to experience this evacuation, it's horrible," Sakayigunsaid. "The families that leftSapotaweyakthey do not have a clue what they're coming home tobecause they left with what they had on."

Nearly a week later,Sakayigunsaid the electricity was back on as ofMonday afternoon, but the water remained off.

Evacuee Margaret Leaskis in Brandonas aliaison between concerned residents andauthorities.

She said band members have experienced arange of emotions, beginning with disbelief and frustration.

"The rain [last week] has brought our spirits up and now it's a work in progress as far as cleanup goes," Leask said on Monday. "This morning, havingcoffee outside with band members, we're laughing, we're talking, we're remaining very hopeful that we will be going home soon."

The Red Cross says890 people are registered as evacuees. They are keeping 390 people in Brandon, 210 people in Swan River and more than 200 people in The Pas. The rest of the evacuees are staying with family and friends.

Leask said some evacuees in Swan River were being transported to Brandon Monday because ofhotel availability.

She said it's been a hectic week, co-ordinating between differentcommunities and hotels. Some individuals require additional help because they have medical needs, she said.

"Not too many of ourband members leave the community, they live right in the reserve, so it's definitely, probably a culture shock for them."

Residents have kept abreast ofthe evacuationthrough a Facebook group, where thoseinSapotaweyakare providingupdates to their worried neighbours, while evacuees organize activitieslike gym nights, visits to the swimming pool and bingo games to keep themselves occupied.

In the meantime, officials atSapotaweyakare working to turn on the water and get new appliances installed for the return of hundreds of people.