7 homes, cottages destroyed by out-of-control wildfire near Flin Flon: officials
Posted May 21, 2024 3:37 pm.
Nine properties were destroyed in the still-active, out-of-control wildfire in northwestern Manitoba.
The large blaze near Flin Flon, which remains roughly 37,000 hectares in size, has destroyed one home, five cottages and two garages in Sourdough Bay. It’s also destroyed one home in Twin Lake.
All property owners have been notified, the Manitoba government said in its latest fire bulletin.
“Aerial crews have also identified a small number of structures believed to be damaged in the other areas affected by the fires that will be confirmed by ground crews in the coming weeks as well as damage to any other structures,” the province added.
Officials say “favourable weather conditions” are continuing in the fight against the wildfire that has now been active for 12 days. Those conditions allowed the 675 people from in and around Cranberry Portage, Sourdough Lake and Twin Lake who were forced out last weekend to return home.
“The fireline closest to Cranberry Portage is under control and crews continue to make good progress in other areas,” official said.
The Manitoba government says emergency financial support will be available for residents of Cranberry Portage and surrounding communities who were forced from their homes.
The assistance is available to those under mandatory evacuation due to wildfires for seven days or more. Eligible adults will receive $200 and eligible children will receive $100.
WATCH: Cranberry Portage residents head home after massive wildfire
Premier Wab Kinew says the one-time payment will “help make sure families don’t have to worry about getting groceries or paying the bills at this challenging time.”
The support is in addition to that offered by Emergency Social Services when evacuations extend beyond three days, including covering direct costs for accommodations and helping with meal and transportation costs.
The province says the supplement will be issued to individuals and families who registered with an ESS reception centre and who meet the eligibility criteria.
Some 200 Manitoba fire crews are receiving help from 40 firefighters from Ontario, 21 from Quebec, 20 from New Brunswick and five from Parks Canada.
–With files from The Canadian Press
