NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. – Residents from Manitoba are seeking refuge in Niagara Falls, Ontario, as wildfires continue to devastate their home province. Many evacuees express gratitude for the hospitality they have received but are deeply concerned about the fate of their homes once the fires subside.

Kelly Ouskun, who fled from Split Lake, described his harrowing journey. He drove approximately 145 kilometers to Thompson, where he encountered thick smoke and flames along the highway. "I felt nauseated, and my eyes hurt," he said. After reaching Thompson, Ouskun and his family flew to Niagara Falls, where they are now staying in one of the five downtown hotels accommodating evacuees. They cling to hope that their home remains intact.

The wildfires in Manitoba have displaced over 18,000 people since last week. This includes 5,000 residents from Flin Flon, located near the Saskatchewan border, and members from at least four First Nations. Some evacuees from the Pimicikamak Cree Nation, situated east of Flin Flon, arrived in Niagara Falls on Sunday, with more expected in the coming days.

Currently, nearly 2,000 evacuees are being housed in hotels near popular tourist attractions, including the iconic Horseshoe Falls. An additional 1,000 evacuees are anticipated to arrive soon.

Graham Colomb, a member of the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, was evacuated by helicopter from his reserve. He shared his emotional response to witnessing the destruction from above. "I was devastated, man, devastated seeing all that go up in flames. It was hard to see," he said while sitting outside a hotel in Niagara Falls with other evacuees.

Colomb, who was living with a family member before the evacuation, expressed uncertainty about the condition of his home. "What I’m worried about is when we go back, I’m hoping that we still have a roof," he said.

As the situation continues to unfold, the community in Niagara Falls remains committed to supporting those affected by the wildfires.