Wildfires across Manitoba continue to displace communities and threaten infrastructure, prompting relief efforts from local businesses — including Lundar’s Sigfusson Northern.
Sigfusson Northern construction teams, along with JNR Construction and 311Sig, are supporting wildfire relief efforts in Cross Lake and Lynn Lake by providing shelter for evacuees and firefighters, and using heavy equipment to create firebreaks
The construction company, which has offices in Lundar and Winnipeg, has mobilized teams to support evacuees and firefighting operations in the north. Through its joint ventures —JNR Construction with Norway House Cree Nation, and 311Sig with Mathias Colomb Cree Nation — Sigfusson Northern is providing shelters, supplies, and firebreaks to help contain the blazes.
JNR Construction, which has long been active in Norway House, maintains a 62-bed camp for its staff. When Cross Lake residents were evacuated on May 28 due to a road closure on Provincial Road 373, they were redirected to Norway House.
Originally expecting about 1,000 evacuees at the Multiplex, the community saw more than 3,000 register that evening. In response, JNR opened its camp to assist.
“When we learned about the evacuation, our team immediately stepped in to provide food, shelter and basic necessities,” said Andrew Burdett, operations manager with Sigfusson Northern.
Led by Sigfusson project manager Jaden McGonigal, the JNR team brought in cooks, cleaners and support staff, assisting more than 100 evacuees each night.
“Everyone was happy to help and stepped up to make sure all the displaced individuals felt comfortable and safe,” he said.
Sigfusson Northern also flew in 2,000 pounds of groceries to the camp while it remained operational. Evacuees were later transported by the Canadian Armed Forces to Winnipeg or Thompson.
Burdett said the Province of Manitoba has since asked whether Sigfusson Northern can provide similar camps at other locations. While no final decisions have been made, he said the team is ready to help when called upon.
In Lynn Lake, Sigfusson Northern’s joint venture 311Sig has taken a more tactical role. The company is helping to cut firebreaks and protect critical infrastructure, with five employees still on the ground while others were evacuated alongside local residents.
“Working closely with provincial emergency response, 311Sig has rapidly deployed a fleet of heavy equipment and experienced personnel to help contain the wildfire and protect critical infrastructure,” said Burdett.
Using D6 dozers, water trucks and other support vehicles, crews have been stripping land of trees and vegetation to block the fire from advancing toward homes, the hospital and the local school. Firefighters are working 12- to 18-hour shifts daily.
“Our guys enjoy the challenge. It can be exciting, but daunting as well,” Burdett said. “It’s not every day they work under these conditions — relying on direction from fire officials.”
Much of that direction comes from the Province of Manitoba’s Natural Resources and Northern Development – Wildfire Service Division. However, smoke conditions have occasionally grounded helicopters, making it harder for crews to assess and act.
Despite the challenges, Burdett said 311Sig will continue supporting relief efforts as long as needed.
“311Sig will continue to coordinate closely with the Province of Manitoba and all response partners, contributing all available personnel, equipment and resources in a united effort to protect the community and support its long-term recovery,” he said.
