June 23, 2010
Forest-fire Danger in Northern Manitoba Leads to Some Evacuations
– – –Evacuation Warning Issued for Cranberry Portage
Manitoba Conservation advises that smoke from forest fires in northern Manitoba has resulted in six people being moved from Cormorant and an evacuation warning being issued for the community of Cranberry Portage, near Flin Flon.
The six residents of Cormorant were moved due to potential respiratory effects from the smoke and all indicate they will be staying with relatives in The Pas. Iskwasum and Gyles campgrounds in the Grass River Provincial Park are also under mandatory evacuation.
In addition, a warning has been issued for residents of Cranberry Portage to be prepared to evacuate. The evacuation warning for Cranberry Portage is due to smoke from the fire at Kisseynew Lake, between Cranberry Portage and Sherridon.
As a result of extremely dry conditions, low humidity and strong, gusting winds, the Kisseynew Lake fire has grown to approximately 10,000 hectares. Efforts to protect camps, cottages and cabins in the area continue with the assistance of the Office of the Fire Commissioner. There are 29 firefighting crews, 11 helicopters, eight water bombers and other heavy equipment being used in fighting this fire. Manitoba’s efforts have been supplemented by water bombers, support aircraft and fire crews from Ontario and Minnesota.
The road between Cranberry Portage and Sherridon is closed except for local traffic. As well, PTH 39 between PTH 10 and the Snow Lake junction is now closed due to smoke causing reduced visibility.
The latest information on road conditions is available at www.manitoba.ca or toll-free at 1-877-MBROADS (1-877-627-6237).
Travel restrictions continue in the Cranberry Portage, Flin Flon and Thompson areas and all the way to the northern edge of the province, due to the high forest-fire hazard. These restriction have now been expanded to include the area north of The Pas. The travel restrictions mean back-country travel in the north is allowed by permit only, camping must be at an established campground and boat or canoe travel is limited.
Earlier restrictions in the northeast and northwest regions included cancelling burning permits and a ban on all open fires. Timber-harvesting and tree-planting operations have been temporarily suspended and mining companies are required to have water sprinklers at their work areas.
There were 15 new fires since yesterday. All are being dealt with and none are threatening homes or property or appear to pose any concerns at this time. There were 13 new fires in the northeast region and two in the northwest region.
The latest information on forest fires and restrictions is available at local district Manitoba Conservation offices.
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