Wildfire north of Flin Flon prompts evacuation order
A number of homes and cottages north of Flin Flon are under an evacuation order because of a growing wildfire caused by drought conditions and high winds.
In a fire bulletin released Saturday, the province said the Manitoba Wildfire Service, the Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC), Emergency Management Organization (EMO) and the Manitoba Fire Service are responding to a fire in the area that has grown significantly overnight and reached over 3,000 hectares. With strong winds in the forecast, an evacuation order has been issued, and people in the surrounding area are being asked to be prepared to leave if the situation worsens. Fire WE011 near Wanless, north of The Pas, is now over 100 hectares. Crews have been mobilized and heavy equipment is working to set up a fire break on the north side of Wanless. Motorists on Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 10 in the area will experience reduced visibility due to smoke.
Fire WE010 near Flin Flon is approximately 3,000 hectares. Work is underway with support from the OFC and the Manitoba Fire Service to set up sprinklers around structures in the area. The province has also reached out for interprovincial support and appreciates the arrival of 10 crews from Ontario first thing next week. Air tankers from Saskatchewan are also assisting with suppression efforts.