The Manitoba Wildfire Service, the Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC), Emergency Management Organization (EMO), and the Manitoba Fire Service are currently battling a significant wildfire north of Flin Flon. The fire has grown rapidly, and with strong winds forecasted, an evacuation order has been issued for several homes and cottages in the area. Residents in the surrounding areas are being urged to prepare for possible evacuation if conditions worsen.
Fire WE011, located near Wanless, north of The Pas, has now spread over 100 hectares. Crews have been mobilized, and heavy equipment is being used to establish a fire break on the north side of Wanless. Motorists on Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 10 in the area are warned of reduced visibility due to smoke.
Fire WE010, near Flin Flon, has grown to approximately 3,000 hectares. Efforts are underway, with support from the OFC and the Manitoba Fire Service, to set up value protection (sprinklers) around structures in the area. The province has reached out for interprovincial support and is expecting the arrival of 10 crews from Ontario early next week. Air tankers from Saskatchewan are also assisting with suppression efforts.
Due to drought conditions and high winds, the area is experiencing extreme fire behaviour. The RCMP and the Conservation Officer Service have closed Sourdough Bay Road and evacuated the area around Sourdough Bay. Provincial crews, with assistance from the Cranberry Portage and Flin Flon fire departments, are setting up value protection for cottages in the area and will also address structures in the Whitefish Lake area.
The province reminds residents that provincial burning permits are required for outdoor fires set within the burn permit area from April 1 to Nov. 15 annually. These permits may be acquired at provincial district offices. However, they may be cancelled or restricted at short notice if fire danger conditions require. The province will not issue burning permits for areas where municipalities have already implemented burning restrictions. For more information on burn permits and to check for municipal burning restrictions, visit the provincial website.
Burn permit holders are reminded to check weather conditions, have adequate suppression equipment, and ensure proper fuel breaks are in place before burning. They are also urged to never leave an outdoor fire unattended, to always extinguish it before leaving, and to exercise caution when in or near forested areas.
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