Manitoba battling two wildfires around Flin Flon and The Pas, evacuation orders in effect

The province says several government agencies are currently responding to two wildfires around Flin Flon and The Pas.

The province says several government agencies are currently responding to two wildfires around Flin Flon and The Pas.

In a fire bulletin released Sunday, the province confirmed evacuation orders have been issued for a number of homes and cottages in the area, and nearby residents are being asked to be prepared should the situation worsen.

It says the fires are extra impactful due to drought conditions and high winds.

Since Saturday evening, the fire near Flin Flon has grown to encompass around 35,000 hectares, and is 38 km long and 12 km wide, and the province says it has moved to within one kilometer of Cranberry Portage.

Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 10 is closed off south of Cranberry Portage, and at Baker’s Narrows.

Access to Sherridon Road has also been impacted as the fire crossed a section of railway in the area.

The province will be receiving interprovincial support. Air tankers from Manitoba are joining ones from Saskatchewan, and additional crews from Ontario are expected to arrive in a day or two.