Periods of rain brought some relief to parts of southeastern Manitoba Wednesday night, but fire officials say it was not enough to lift evacuation orders in the region as wildfires continue to burn.
The latest update from Piney
A reception centre for evacuees will reopen in Piney at 9 a.m. Thursday. RM officials advise evacuees who have not yet registered to contact Candace at 204-905-3143. Until now, the Woodridge Community Centre has acted as the reception centre for evacuees, making sure everyone is accounted for, providing meals, and ensuring that everyone has a place to stay.
Support for evacuees
Meanwhile, in a post on social media, the Marchand Inn and Restaurant is offering a temporary refuge for evacuees, allowing them to pitch a tent or park a camper on the back property. Washroom facilities and other necessities are available, and residents in need of assistance are encouraged to comment on the Inn’s social media post.
Fire crews provide assistance
Reynolds Fire Department also responded to a mutual aid call in the Woodridge area on Wednesday. Crews from across the southeast assisted with setting up sprinklers to protect homes in Badger. On Thursday, a Reynolds crew was dispatched to the Whiteshell to help with firefighting efforts there.
Sprague fire extinguished
The RM of Piney has confirmed that the fire north of Sprague, along Road 79E and Road 6N, has been extinguished by the Piney Fire Department as of late Wednesday night.
Evacuations ordered for Woodridge
The Rural Municipality of Piney has issued an evacuation order for the townsite of Woodridge as the wildfire known as EA057 continues to spread. Despite some rain on Wednesday, the RM of Piney says the precipitation was minimal and has not halted the fire’s progress.
Crews began notifying Woodridge residents shortly after the evacuation notice was issued at 7:20 p.m. Wednesday. The townsite of Badger was evacuated earlier that afternoon, while Carrick, St. Labre, and Florze were all evacuated on Tuesday.
This is a developing story, and we will have more as information becomes available.