The Manitoba Wildfire Service, the Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC), Manitoba Emergency Management Organization (EMO), and the Manitoba Fire Service continue to battle two active wildfires in the areas around Flin Flon and The Pas. Thanks to favourable weather conditions and the relentless efforts of the crews, the impacts of the fires have lessened, allowing residents of the affected communities to return home as of Sunday, May 19.
Fire WE010, located near Flin Flon, remains approximately 37,000 hectares in size. The fireline closest to Cranberry Portage is under control, and crews are making significant progress in other areas. As a result, residents of Cranberry Portage, Sourdough Bay, Whitefish Lake, Twin Lakes, and Schist Lake North were able to return to their homes as of 10 a.m., Sunday, May 19. Barricades have been lifted, and Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 10 and the Sherridon access road have reopened to traffic.
Unfortunately, eight properties were lost to the fire in Sourdough Bay, including one permanent residence, five seasonal properties (cottages), and two garages. Additionally, one permanent residence was lost in Twin Lakes. All property owners have been notified. Aerial crews have also identified a small number of structures believed to be damaged in other areas affected by the fires. These will be confirmed by ground crews in the coming weeks.
Significant resources continue to suppress fire WE010, including six water bombers, seven helicopters, over 200 provincial personnel, 40 firefighters from Ontario, five from Parks Canada, 20 from New Brunswick, and 21 from Quebec.
The province has received reports of drones flying over fire WE010 and near airports in the area. The public is reminded that the use of drones near airports is illegal and dangerous to aircraft.
Train service has been restored between Cranberry Portage and Pukatawagan. The Provincial Emergency Social Services reception centres at the Wescana Inn in The Pas and the Victoria Inn in Flin Flon have now closed. A supplemental evacuation allowance of $200 will be issued to those whose primary residences are in Cranberry Portage, Sourdough Bay, Whitefish Lake, Twin Lakes, and Schist Lake North. Cheques will be available until the end of the day on Friday, May 24.
Smoke from the wildfire continues to impact communities in the area. Residents are advised to take precautions to protect against harmful smoke inhalation, including limiting outdoor activity, staying indoors with windows and doors closed, setting air conditioning units in homes and vehicles to recirculate to avoid drawing smoke indoors, and drinking plenty of water.
Fire WE011, located near Wanless north of The Pas, is approximately 2,785 hectares and approximately 2.5 km from the community of Wanless. Crews are working to protect the hydro line between The Pas and Cranberry Portage. The fire is approximately 2 km away from PTH 10, and anyone travelling on PTH 10 may be impacted by poor visibility due to smoke.
Campgrounds in Bakers Narrows and Grass River provincial parks remain closed until at least May 27, including Bakers Narrows, Gyles, Iskwasum Landing, and Reed Lake. Backcountry travel along the Grass River from Cranberry Portage to Reed Lake is prohibited. The Karst Spring Self-guiding Trail is also closed.
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