Probe into Lynn Lake fire centres on controlled burn nearby mine: mayor

A northern Manitoba mining town is seeking answers as to what caused the massive wildfire that forced more than 900 residents of two communities to flee their homes in May.

The Town of Lynn Lake was informed — amid an active investigation by the province — that the blaze stemmed from a controlled burn at the nearby Alamos Gold Inc. mine, Mayor Brandon Dulewich said.

“At the beginning of the season, everybody was ecstatic about the new gold mine and the life it was bringing to Lynn Lake, but after seeing the destruction this summer — and I’m not overly aware of the specifics around the fire, or what could or could not have been done — I know people want some concrete answers,” he said.

“I would like to see some ownership for the situation. I don’t know how you you fix what happened, but I think definitely something needs to happen.”

The fire was detected May 7 and was caused by human activity, as per the Manitoba Wildfire Service. A provincial spokesperson said the investigation into the fire is ongoing.

Some derelict buildings in Lynn Lake and almost 30 cabins in Burge Lake Provincial Park were destroyed, Dulewich said.

The blaze, classified as under control since Aug. 20, was still listed as active Thursday, after burning more than 85,000 hectares. Lynn Lake is about 800 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg.

Manitoba Conservation investigators allege the wildfire started after a burn pile reignited at Alamos Gold’s MacLellan mine site, about seven kilometres northeast of Lynn Lake, CBC News reported, citing a June 11 search warrant affidavit that it recently obtained.

CBC News said the affidavit alleges the company, which obtained a burn permit and contracted the work, was negligent in ensuring burn piles were properly extinguished.

In a statement, Alamos Gold said it is a responsible operator, and it “takes issue with the allegations” in the CBC News report.

The statement did not cite specific allegations that are disputed.

An Alamos spokesperson said the company was not served with a search warrant. The investigator’s affidavit sought access to information, by way of a production order for documents, from two contractors who work at the mine.

“The fire was deeply unfortunate, part of a tragic wildfire summer in Manitoba,” the statement said. “We are thankful for the tremendous efforts of Manitoba Wildfire Services when they arrived on site and took the lead of fire suppression on May 8.

“We welcome an investigation, and we will co-operate fully. Everybody has a role to play in fighting this wildfire phenomenon.”

Alamos Gold is conducting an internal investigation. The Toronto-based company said it has “deep sympathy” for Lynn Lake and Marcel Colomb First Nation residents.

“Alamos puts the safety of the local communities and our employees at the forefront,” the statement said.

Dulewich said town officials have not yet had an in-depth conversation with Alamos Gold because they’ve been busy with firefighting and recovery efforts.

“In the near future, I think we’re going to sit down and, hopefully, come up with something both parties can agree to and be happy with,” said Dulewich, who is also a municipal firefighter.

Alamos Gold said efforts to support and be a “trusted partner” of the communities will continue.

Premier Wab Kinew, who attended a groundbreaking ceremony at the mine in March, said he would refrain from making “too many comments” because an investigation was underway.

“My heart goes out to community members and Mayor Dulewich, navigating through this tough period, fighting the fires directly. Hats off to local leaders like him,” Kinew said at an unrelated event. “I am glad the fire investigators are looking very, very closely at this, and that that’s moving forward.”

Lynn Lake and Marcel Colomb residents were forced out of their homes May 27 and 28, respectively, as the fire spread.

Firefighters worked around the clock to save Lynn Lake, when the blaze spread into the town about a week later.

Evacuation orders ended June 20 after the threat eased, but Lynn Lake and Marcel Colomb residents were forced out again July 4, when a different fire (caused by a lightning strike) threatened the power supply.

“This is kind of unprecedented. I’m hoping Lynn Lake never sees an evacuation this long or power loss this long ever again,” Dulewich said.

Manitoba Hydro restored power Thursday. It will still be some time before essential services resume and the town is ready to welcome evacuees.

Dulewich said an earlier estimate from the Manitoba Wildfire Service put Lynn Lake-area firefighting costs at $10 million.

“Any direction you drive outside of Lynn Lake, you see nothing but burnt trees,” he said. “Our entire municipal boundary is a scar of what it used to be. It’s definitely hard to see, and the feelings around it aren’t that great.”

Manitoba Hydro said power was restored two to four weeks sooner than expected in Lynn Lake, Marcel Colomb, Leaf Rapids, Mathias Colomb Cree Nation (Pukatawagan) and O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation/South Indian Lake.

The cost of the restorations is estimated to be $32 million.

— With files from Carol Sanders

chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca