The Town of Snow Lake has issued a mandatory evacuation order, requiring all residents to leave by noon on Saturday, June 7, as a massive wildfire threat looms.
The order follows a prior evacuation alert and was announced at noon Friday.
Approximately 1,100 people live in the northern Manitoba community, which is now under threat from three wildfires that have merged into a single, massive blaze. According to the City of Flin Flon, the fire spans an estimated 140 kilometres in length and five kilometres in width.
Evacuees in need of shelter are being directed to the Billy Mosienko Arena in Winnipeg.
Town officials are urging residents to bring essential items such as money, credit cards, identification and documents like birth certificates. Medications and personal medical appliances should also be taken, if possible.
Before leaving, residents are asked to shut off water supplies, lights, and appliances.
Snow Lake is located roughly 575 kilometres north-northwest of Winnipeg.
As of Friday, 11 wildfires across the province are classified as out of control.