Wildfires continue to burn in northern Manitoba

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This article was published 31/07/2024 (755 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Wildfires continue to rage in northern Manitoba, threatening hydro infrastructure and keeping some First Nations residents from their communities.

Provincial and local fire departments continue to fight two fires encroaching on Marcel Colomb First Nation, said the province’s latest fire bulletin issued Wednesday.

A fire four kilometres east of Marcel Colomb has grown to about 1,458 hectares, while a blaze eight kilometres northeast of the First Nation is about 475 hectares.

The northeast blaze isn’t expected to reach the community, based on the current wind direction forecast.

Sprinkler systems have been set up on 30 buildings in and around Marcel Colomb.

The province ordered an evacuation of Marcel Colomb and surrounding communities last week.

Some residents of Manto Sipi Cree Nation, Red Sucker Lake First Nation, Wasagamack First Nation and God’s Lake First Nation have also been evacuated to Winnipeg and Brandon due to a wildfire that has grown to about 24,320 hectares in size.

Provincial fire maps show 58 active wildfires across the province, with a total of 175 wildfires to date this year. The number is below the provincial average of 277 fires for the same time in previous years.

Firefighters are working to shield Manitoba Hydro infrastructure and the Bell communications tower, which services the Island Lake area, from the flames.

Crews from Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick are assisting in the fight.

Area residents are advised to take precautions to protect against smoke inhalation while the fires continue to burn, the bulletin says.

— with files from the Canadian Press

nicole.buffie@freepress.mb.ca