Traverse Bay under evacuation as grass fire closes in on community

Traverse Bay has been evacuated after a grass fire broke out in the area Saturday evening.

The fire broke out just before 6 p.m. forcing residents out of the area.

The fire started as a grass fire and quickly spread to a nearby wooded area according to the Victoria Beach Fire Department.

"Our hearts are with the property owners and those fire fighters whonrisk their lives for us," said the Hillside Beach Community Association in a Facebook post.

As a result of the fire, Highway 11, from Highway 59 to Traverse Bay Road North, is closed.

Anyone who lives in the community is encouraged to head to the Grand Marais Recreation Centre.

Traverse Bay sits on the mouth of the Winnipeg River. It is located about an hour north of Winnipeg.