'Never seen a fire move like this': Manitoba wildfire now at 31,500 hectares
CTV
Fire crews are continuing to battle a significant blaze in Manitoba’s north that has prompted evacuations.
Fire crews are continuing to battle a significant blaze in Manitoba’s north that has prompted evacuations.
Earl Simmons, director of Manitoba Wildfire Service, said the fire located near Flin Flon, which they have been fighting since Thursday, grew to 31,500 hectares on Saturday, where it has remained. The fire has prompted the nearby community of Cranberry Portage to evacuate all 550 residents.
“I’ve been working in wildfires for 40 years, I’ve never seen a fire move like this fire moved,” he said Monday afternoon.
The RM of Kelsey says in a social media post residents wanting to stay in Flin Flon instead of The Pas will be escorted through Cranberry Portage Tuesday.
It’ll happen at 2 p.m. starting from the south Cranberry Portage blockade. The RM says only those registered will be allowed to join the escort, and they must provide their own transportation. Those wanting to register are being asked to do so at the Wescana Inn between 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. Tuesday.
The fire was caused by dry lightning, and Simmons said the dry conditions in the area, along with the wind, helped the flames spread quickly. Smoke from the fire was observed in Winnipeg on Sunday.
“Usually this time of year, the soil is pretty moist, and a fire will whip over the surface,” he said. “Unfortunately, because we’re in a drought situation, fires burn down deep, and this fire will burn down deep.”
