Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship, the Office of the Fire Commissioner, the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization, Manitoba Health, Emergency Social Services and local authorities continue to respond to wildfires in northeast Manitoba.
Despite showers, the forest fire danger for the northeast region remains high. There were 12 new fires yesterday, all in the northeast region. All but one of these fires was due to lightning and the fires are not threatening any communities.
Anyone living, working, camping or travelling in the northeast area is advised to use extreme caution and to avoid starting fires.
Due to smoke in the area, an evacuation of the York Factory First Nation began yesterday and continues today. The most vulnerable residents are being flown to Brandon and are being accommodated in local hotels. Last night, 46 people were evacuated and another 250 are expected to be moved today.
As well, 111 people were evacuated earlier from the Ilford area (Ilford and the War Lake First Nation) and are staying in Thompson. In addition, 134 workers remain evacuated from Manitoba Hydro’s Keeyask work site camp.
Showers in the northwest and most of southern regions of the province have reduced fire dangers in those areas.
Ilford Fire
The fire near the community of Ilford/War Lake is still at approximately 16,283 hectares in size. Firefighting efforts of crews and water bombers have been successful and all buildings remain intact.
Keeyask Fire
A 12,925-ha fire remains close to the Manitoba Hydro work site camp at Keeyask. Crews have made good progress to secure a perimeter around the site.
So far this year, there have been 146 fires, 117 caused by humans and 29 caused by lightning. Typically by this time of year there are an average of 176 fires, covering a total of 23,285 ha.
Smoke from wildfires can affect road conditions quickly. People are reminded not to attempt to drive or walk through roads inundated with smoke. Before travelling, check up-to-date road conditions at www.mb511.ca, on mobile devices at www.manitoba.ca, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MBGovRoads or by calling 511.
More information on fire prevention and current fire updates is available at www.manitoba.ca/wildfire.
