Thousands evacuated as wildfires burn in northern Manitoba

Thousands in northern Manitoba have reportedly been evacuated due to a large wildfire south of Oxford House.

Officials say the wildfire is around 10 kilometres south of Oxford House First Nation, and winds were expected to push it closer.

At the time of the province’s wildfire update Wednesday afternoon, the fire was estimated to be 5,747 hectares.

With the help of local fire departments, a protection line has been established near the community.

According to the province, additional resources have also been deployed to help with the firefighting efforts.

The Canadian Air Force was also on hand to help with evacuation efforts from the Bunibonibee Cree Nation.

The first aircraft departed this afternoon and evacuations are ongoing. pic.twitter.com/bAvxB5I8I7

— Canadian Joint Operations Command (@CJOC_COIC) August 14, 2024

Manitoba Wildfire Services says there are currently 71 active wildfires within the province, and heat and dry weather linger.

Some of those fires are close to communities in various parts of Manitoba, and are listed below:

• A fire is roughly 11 km northeast of Manto Sipi Cree Nation and is estimated at approximately 1,500 ha. The province says suppression has been concentrated on the south side of the fire to limit its spread towards the community.
• A fire is roughly four km east of Marcel Colomb First Nation remains within established control lines and currently about 3,020 ha in size.
• Another fire is roughly eight km northeast of Marcel Colomb First Nation, is approximately 1,851 ha.
• A fire is roughly 60 km northeast of Thompson and 55 km west of Split Lake, and is estimated at 18,000 ha in size. The province says fire continues to be assessed for targeted response options as required.
• A fire is roughly 35 km north of Garden Hill, 22 km south of God’s Lake Narrows and 40 km west of Red Sucker Lake, is over 35,000 ha. The province says some residents of God’s Lake First Nation, Manto Sipi Cree Nation, Wasagamack First Nation, Red Sucker Lake First Nation and St. Theresa Point First Nation have been evacuated due to smoke in the area.
• And a fire is located roughly 23 km east of Pukatawagan and is approximately 21,900 ha. The province says smoke may be an issue in the community depending on wind direction.

Due to the fires, visibility along some roads is reduced, including Provincial Road (PR) 391 and PR 280.

So far the province has battled 233 fires in 2024, with most of them being lightning or human-caused.

Heat advisory

In addition to the wildfires, northern Manitoba has also been placed under an extreme heat advisory.

The province says the communities of Brochet, Tadoule Lake, Gillam, Island Lake, Shamattawa, Churchill and York, are expected to experience daytime temperatures of 29 C or higher and overnight temperatures higher than 16 C.

Due to this, Environment Canada advises people stay indoors, or cooler locations as much as possible, and make sure they stay properly hydrated.

The province also notes that the heat may impact the wildfires.