As wildfires rage across Manitoba, local fire departments are stepping in to support the response while bracing for challenges at home.
Carberry crew deployed to Flin Flon
On Wednesday night, four members of the Carberry North Cypress-Langford Fire Department, along with an apparatus, headed north to assist with fire suppression and property protection near Flin Flon.
“We are happy to help when called upon,” the department shares in a social media update.
Their deployment follows a provincial call for assistance as fires continue to burn out of control across the province.
Flin Flon is among several communities facing evacuation orders this week.
Related stories:
- Manitoba declares provincial state of emergency as 17,000 flee fires in north
- Portage teacher from Flin Flon watching fire situation with family on evacuation alert
Burn ban now in effect
Closer to home, a burn ban has been issued for the Town of Carberry and the RM of North Cypress-Langford. The restriction is effective immediately.
Fire Chief Clyde McCallum says the local landscape makes the area particularly vulnerable.
MacGregor assesses response capacity
In the Municipality of North Norfolk, fire officials are also monitoring the situation closely.
MacGregor Fire Chief Chris Leckie says they’re assessing the situation and will possibly send firefighters if they are able to do.
Province declares state of emergency
The provincial government declared a state of emergency Wednesday evening as roughly 17,000 people are expected to be evacuated from northern communities, including Flin Flon and Sherridon.
Premier Wab Kinew says the province has requested and received military support. Emergency shelters are being set up in Winnipeg as communities scramble to respond to fast-moving fires.
As of midweek, 22 wildfires are burning across Manitoba. The largest, near Bird River, has surpassed 124,000 hectares. Fires near Sherridon, Lynn Lake, and Cross Lake are also out of control.
Air quality alerts, travel restrictions, and full burn bans remain in effect for much of the province. Residents are urged to avoid open flames, stay indoors when possible, and be prepared to evacuate on short notice if conditions worsen.
More information is available at gov.mb.ca/wildfire and manitoba511.ca.
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