Manitobans killed in wildfire identified
The Manitobans who died tragically in a wildfire burning in the Lac du Bonnet area have been identified.
Multiple sources confirmed to CTV News Winnipeg Richard and Sue Nowell died after a wildfire broke out near their Wendigo area home.
RCMP Manitoba said Wednesday two people, believed to be an adult man and woman, had died in the blaze but declined to identify them Thursday pending an autopsy.
Richard and Sue Nowell
Richard and Sue Nowell are pictured on their wedding day. (Sue Nowell/Facebook)
Mounties said Wednesday they were aware they were trapped in the fire, but emergency personnel could not reach them due to the extreme conditions.
'We're a very close-knit community here, and certainly the family, friends, and loved ones that have been impacted by this have our profound sympathies at this news,' RM of Lac du Bonnet Reeve Loren Schinkel said Wednesday.
lac du bonnet fire wendigo
A sign for Wendigo Road in the RM of Lac du Bonnet, Man. on May 14, 2025. (Jamie Dowsett/CTV News Winnipeg)
The wildfire is one of several burning out of control in the province, spurred by a mixture of oppressive heat and little rain.
The Lac du Bonnet fire has destroyed about 28 homes and cottages, Schinkel said Thursday.
The last update on the province's fire map Wednesday estimated the fire to have reached 4,000 hectares.
This is a developing story. More details to come.
- With files from CTV's Charles Lefebvre
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