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High winds, dry conditions worsen fire risk in southeast

Strong winds and low humidity continue to challenge firefighting efforts in southeastern Manitoba, the province said in an update this afternoon.

In a report on the wild fire situation, Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship advised anyone living, working, camping or travelling in the region to use caution and avoid starting any fires.

The department said the fire threatening the community of Badger, 130 km southeast of Winnipeg, has grown to 5,300 hectares (from about 5,000 yesterday) due to strong winds overnight.

The RM of Piney ordered the evacuation of the community of Badger on Sunday. Sixteen individuals are out of their homes until further notice.

Meanwhile, a fire on Crown land south of Marchand has grown to 1,100 hectares from 400 hectares on Monday. No buildings are currently threatened.

And municipal fire crews from the region, with the help of the Office of the Fire Commissioner, continue to battle a 4,100 hectare fire in the RM of Stuartburn, south of PTH 201.

The RM has declared a state of local emergency to help manage the situation. A command post has been established at Vita to help co-ordinate fir fighting efforts.

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