13 May 2024 | 04:43 AM UTC
Canada: Emergency crews continue working to contain wildfires across west-central Manitoba as of May 12
Wildfires across west-central Manitoba, Canada, as of May 12, causes evacuations. Disruptions likely.
As of May 12, emergency crews continue working to contain wildfires burning across west-central Manitoba, around Flin Flon and The Pas.
The fire near Flin Flon has affected approximately 35,000 hectares (86,486 acres) and has spread to within 1 km (0.6 miles) of Cranberry Portage. Authorities have evacuated 500 residents in Cranberry Portage to The Pas. Evacuation orders are in place for residents near Flin Flon. Reception centers are located at the Victoria Inn in Flin Flon and the Wescana Inn in the Rural Municipality of Kelsey. Authorities may issue additional evacuation orders and alerts in the coming hours and days, depending on the progression of wildfires.
Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 10 is closed just south of Cranberry Portage in the south and at Baker's Narrows in the north; access to Sherridon Road is impacted. The fire also crossed a section of the railway. While no trains are affected, rail travel between Cranberry Portage and Pukatawagan could be disrupted. The area has intermittent power outages due to damaged infrastructure and communications outages impacting Flin Flon, Sherridon, and Sourdough Bay between Flin Flon and Cranberry Portage.
The fire near Wanless, north of The Pas, is approximately 1,500 hectares (3,706 acres). Crews are working to protect the hydro line between The Pas and Cranberry Portage.
Environment Canada has issued special air quality statements for parts of west-central Manitoba and east-central Saskatchewan due to the smoke impact from the wildfires. Wildfires damage power lines and other electricity infrastructure, and intermittent power outages are possible in affected areas until restoration work is complete.
Depending on the progression of the wildfires, the status of nearby roads could change over the coming hours and days. Authorities will likely close additional routes within the wildfire complexes and evacuate more communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operators. The return of residents could disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.
Heed all evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected area; road closures and detours will cause increased congestion and delays. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in an easily accessible "go-bag." Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged power outages.
Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses may be more susceptible to the negative effects of smoke inhalation. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.
