The Manitoba Wildfire Service, the Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC), Emergency Management Organization (EMO) and the Manitoba Fire Service are currently responding to a fire in the area north of Flin Flon, which has grown significantly. With strong winds in the forecast an evacuation order has been issued for a number of homes and cottages in the area, 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 value protection (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.
There is extreme fire behaviour in the area due to drought conditions and high winds. RCMP and the Conservation Officer Service have closed Sourdough Bay Road and evacuated the area around Sourdough Bay. Provincial crews, with help from 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.
Provincial burning permits are required for outdoor fires set within the burn permit area from April 1 to Nov. 15 annually. Permits can be acquired at provincial district offices. Provincial burn permits issued under the Wildfires Act 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. To check for municipal burning restrictions, visit gov.mb.ca.
For more information on burn permits, contact a local municipality or the local Manitoba Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources office. Burn permit holders are reminded to check weather conditions, have adequate suppression equipment and ensure proper fuel breaks are in place before burning. Never leave an outdoor fire unattended and always extinguish it before leaving, and exercise caution when in or near forested areas.
Manitobans can play a critical role in mitigating wildfire risks around their home and properties by undertaking FireSmart activities. For more information, visit firesmartcanada.ca.
Further details, updates, restrictions and other important wildfire information is available at gov.mb.ca. To report a wildfire, call 911 or the TIP line (toll-free) at 1-800-782-0076.
