June 24, 2010
Forest Fire Hazard in Northern Manitoba Leads to some Voluntary Evacuations
– – –Evacuation Warning Continues for Cranberry Portage
Manitoba Conservation advises that smoke from forest fires in northern Manitoba has resulted in approximately 200 people voluntarily choosing to leave Cranberry Portage while an evacuation warning is still in effect for that community near Flin Flon.
As a result of extremely dry conditions and strong winds, the Kisseynew Lake fire has grown to approximately 40,000 hectares. Efforts to protect camps, cottages and cabins in the area continue, with the assistance of the Office of the Fire Commissioner. However, two cabins were recently destroyed by the fire as well as rail bridge near Optic Lake.
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, B.C. and Minnesota.
The road between Cranberry Portage and Sherridon remains closed except for local traffic. PTH 39 between PTH 10 and the Snow Lake junction was reopened for approximately four hours during the day today. The road is to be closed later due to reduced visibility from smoke. The latest information on road conditions is available at www.manitoba.ca or at 1-877-MBROADS (1-877-627-6237).
There are two new forest fires since yesterday. Both are being dealt with and are not threatening homes or property nor do they appear to pose any serious concerns. There was one fire in the northeast region and one in the northwest.
The latest information on forest fires and restrictions is available at www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/fire or local Manitoba Conservation offices.
Travel restrictions continue in the Cranberry Portage, Flin Flon, The Pas and Thompson areas and all the way to the northern edge of the province, due to the high fire hazard. Earlier restrictions in the northeast and northwest region included cancelling burning permits and banning all open fires. Timber-harvesting and tree-planting operations remain suspended and mining companies are required to have water sprinklers at their work areas.