More evacuations as Manitoba wildfires continue
theweathernetwork.com
Sunday, September 3, 2017, 1:16 PM - More evacuations have been announced in northern Manitoba as wildfires continue to threaten several communities, though some evacuees elsewhere in the province will soon be allowed home.
Late last week, some 3,700 people left their homes in Wasagamack, which was completely evacuated, and nearby communities of St. Theresa Point and Garden Hill, as firefighters battled a 23,000-hectare fire not far away.
On the weekend, the Canadian Red Cross announced another 1,500 people from Garden hill would be evacuated, such that there are now more than 5,000 people out of their homes due to the wildfires, which have been exacerbated by ongoing dry conditions, stiff winds, and hot temperatures.
"Fire crews are continuing suppression work on the fire line closest to the community, with crews also working on other spot fires located away from the main fire line," the province said in an update on the situation Friday.
Elsewhere, the wildfire situation near Poplar River First Nation has improved to the point where the community's 800 inhabitants, evacuated last month, will soon be allowed home, perhaps as early as Tuesday.
"\The fire commission [said] that the fire has subsided quite a bit, that the community's not in danger, and the smoke is not as bad as it was two weeks ago," Poplar River Chief Vera Mitchell told CBC.
Firefighting continues to be troublesome in the area, thanks to ongoing dry conditions and stiff winds, with smoky skies expected in some areas.
The province says Manitoba has had around 500 fires so far this season.
