With heavy rain forecast in northwest Manitoba in the coming days, provincial officials say evacuees forced from the area could return home by the weekend.
That optimistic view comes from Manitoba Wildfire Service acting director Earl Simmons, who says while the fire at Flin Flon and Cranberry Portage has not diminished in size, there are some encouraging signs.
“Our biggest concern right now, the end of the Cranberry Portage fire, is probably 80 percent contained,” Simmons told The News from 680 CJOB. “So that looks really good for us and the road through is open all day, so that’s a good sign.”
The email you need for the day’s top news stories from Canada and around the world.
The province says the fire, which has caused about 580 people to evacuate, is about 31,600 hectares in size and is affecting Cranberry Portage, along with Sourdough Bay, Whitefish Lake, Twin Lakes and Schist Lake North.
Hydro has also been restored to the majority of customers in the affected area around the fire and with precipitation expected in the coming days, Simmons says this could play a big role in firefighting efforts.
“It really gives us an opportunity to move forward, and we really hope that if things come to fruition this weekend, the people of Cranberry Portage can get into their homes,” Simmons said.
The latest provincial wildfire report shows there are nine wildfires burning in Manitoba, two of which are considered out of control.
© 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
