The leader of a group representing First Nations communities in Manitoba say many are dangerous short of fire services, the CBC reports.

David Harper heads the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, representing northern chiefs. He says he’s gotten no response to his efforts for more services, despite the dire need:

A toddler died in a fire earlier this year in this house on the Long Plain First Nation. (CBC photo)

In January, a CBC News investigation found seven out of 10 First Nations communities couldn’t provide help in a fire. Trucks and equipment are often in poor working condition and volunteer firefighters can be difficult to recruit.

According to statistics from fire officials, nearly a quarter of fire fatalities in Manitoba occur in First Nations communities.

The investigation followed the death of an 11-year-old boy whose remains were found in the rubble of a house that burned down on Shamattawa First Nation.

“It’s just like we’re forgotten,” says Nancy Powderhorn, director of operations in Tadoule Lake – which has no fire service at all.

Gwen Florio

Tags: buffalo post, David Harper, emergency services, firefighting, First Nations, Gwen Florio, Indan, Manitoba, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, Nancy Powderhorn, Native American news, Shamattawa First Nation, Tadoule Lake