Out-of-control wildfire near Flin Flon has grown 12 times bigger in a day: officials
Posted May 12, 2024 5:11 pm.
A massive wildfire in northwestern Manitoba has grown exponentially and is threatening a nearby community.
The out-of-control wildfire near Flin Flon grew from 3,000 hectares Saturday to its current size of 35,000 hectares, according to the Manitoba government’s latest bulletin.
The blaze is being fed by drought and windy conditions, as well as extreme fire activity.
The province says the blaze is within one kilometre of the community of Cranberry Portage, which is being evacuated.
“Approximately 500 residents are affected at this time, but that number may increase as conditions change,” the province’s statement reads.
A reception centre to support evacuees was set up at the Victoria Inn in Flin Flon.
The wildfire near Flin Flon has damaged infrastructure in the area that could disrupt telecommunication, road and rail links, the province said, noting Highway 10 linking the city to Cranberry Portage is already closed.
“Air tankers from Manitoba and Saskatchewan have been working on the fire and additional crews from Ontario are expected to arrive in a day or two,” the province said Sunday.
The City of Flin Flon declared a fire ban on Friday.
The Flin Flon blaze is not the only out-of-control wildfire in the province, with another north of The Pas – near the community of Wanless – roughly 1,500 hectares in size.
Crews are working to protect a hydro line between Cranberry Portage and The Pas, the province says.
Both wildfires are believed to have started from natural causes.
–With files from The Canadian Press
