Residents of Flin Flon will soon be returning home.
Deputy Mayor Alison Dallas-Funk announced Thursday evening that the mandatory evacuation order is expected to be lifted at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 25.
Flin Flon residents were evacuated from the community on May 28, and it has grown to over 350,000 hectares.
"After some discussion with Manitoba wildfires and Unified command, we've made our dates and our final decision on our re-entry plan based on the fire activity and behaviour as of late," said Dallas-Funk in a video posted to Facebook.
All critical services are currently ready to resume community duties except for the Flin Flon Fire Department, which Dallas Funk says they expect a fire team will be able to remain in town as of Saturday, June 21.
By Sunday, June 22, they hope to have skeleton crews in place to operate essential businesses, including Manitoba Hydro, telecommunications, food, fuel, and pharmacy services.
"However, please know that the grocery store will have limited supplies," said Dallas-Funk. "These secondary businesses will be allowed to return on Saturday, including hardware, restaurants, clothing, automotive services, mail/shipping, and medical services, with the aim to be functional in a limited capacity by Monday, to prepare us for re-entry on Wednesday."
On Monday, barring any unexpected fire behaviour, Council will meet and officially rescind the mandatory evacuation order effective Wednesday, June 25.
"We are very excited to announce this to the community. But please remember that not everything will be up and running in Flin Flon when we return. We need to be patient and mindful of our neighbours, and those who have the means should be prepared to bring essential supplies back with them to the community."
Meanwhile, Lynn Lake, located north of Flin Flon, will begin returning home starting today.