The Wildfire Program of Manitoba Sustainable Development advises the evacuation of Easterville and the Chemawawin First Nation, 450 kilometres north of Winnipeg, continues although most residents have now left the community.
The size of the fire is estimated at 350 hectares and crews have held it to the edge of the community with two water bombers, four bulldozers and seven ground crews. There are no reports of losses to buildings or infrastructure at this time.
Evacuees from Easterville have been directed to The Pas, while residents of the Chemawawin First Nation are headed to Winnipeg. Co-ordination of the First Nation’s evacuation is being handled by the Canadian Red Cross.
In Manitoba, 19 new wildfires, all caused by lightning, were reported in the following areas:
- Leaf Rapids (nine);
- Lynn Lake (four);
- Wabowden (two);
- Gillam (three); and
- Oxford House (one).
A total of 119 wildfires have been recorded to date. The average for this date is 236.
For further general information on the fire status, maps, travel restrictions, burning permit cancellations or other restrictions go to www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire. To report a wildfire, call 911 or the T.I.P. line (toll-free) at 1-800-782-0076. The T.I.P. line is dedicated for reporting fires.
