Final call issued for evacuation flights as Lynn Lake fire grows

A wildfire threatening the northern Manitoba town of Lynn Lake has more than tripled in size since Friday, the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre says.

The blaze, burning about 20 kilometres south of the community of roughly 600 residents, has grown to nearly 5,200 hectares — more than three times the 1,600-hectare estimate provided in the province’s last update on Friday.

CIFF data show the fire had engulfed 2,500 hectares as of Saturday afternoon.

“Today will be another challenging day for firefighters and emergency personnel as warmer temperatures, low humidity, and changing winds increase fire behaviour,” a Facebook post from the town said Sunday afternoon. “We ask everyone to keep our wildfire crews, emergency responders, volunteers, and all evacuees in your thoughts.”

The town was expecting temperatures reaching 27 C, with 20-30 per cent relative humidity, “creating challenging fire conditions,” according to the post.

“Fire activity currently remains at Rank 1 (smouldering) with smoke and shifting winds,” the post said. “The head of the fire continues creeping east toward Wasekan Lake.”

The post said crews were working to build a cat guard along one road, under the direction of Manitoba Wildfire Services, with the support of Alamo Gold.

“A burn team is en route to develop a strategic back burn plan,” the post said. “One medium helicopter is arriving today to assist operations, with heavy helicopter support for possible back burning operations.”

Two fire engines and crews were said to be assisting MWS with possible back burn operations, while Manitoba Department of Transportation was on its way to the area to assist with road blocks and closures to ensure public and responder safety.

The rapid growth has prompted a full evacuation of the town.

Late Saturday, officials issued a final call for air evacuation flights to Brandon, marking the second time in as many years Lynn Lake has been forced to evacuate because of wildfires.

Residents were instructed to report to the town office by 9 a.m. Sunday to register and receive instructions before departing for the airport. The flight was the final evacuation organized through Manitoba Emergency Social Services.

Evacuees were directed to register with the Canadian Red Cross at a reception centre at the Victoria Inn in Brandon, about 780 kilometres south of Lynn Lake.

The wildfire ignited Thursday and spread rapidly.

By Friday, the fire had become so intense that it generated its own lightning storm — a phenomenon caused by extreme fire conditions, according to a social media post from the town.

The town said Sunday that the hospital in Lynn Lake remains open 24 hours to support essential workers an emergency response personnel.

scott.billeck@freepress.mb.ca