A wildfire has forced the evacuation of the northern Manitoba community of Cranberry Portage, with about 700 residents being forced to leave on Saturday evening. The Rural Municipality of Kelsey’s Emergency Measures Coordinator confirmed the evacuation to Global News.
The wildfire, which has been burning near the community, crossed Highway 10, leading to the evacuation order. As a result, Highway 10 is now closed between Cranberry Portage and Sherridon Access Rd., near Flin Flon.
Most of the evacuees are heading to The Pas, Manitoba, as they seek safety from the approaching wildfire. This evacuation comes at a time when Northern Manitoba is experiencing drought conditions, increasing the risk of wildfires in the region.
The Manitoba Wildfire Service issued a bulletin warning of numerous wildfires burning in the northern parts of the province, with one fire prompting evacuation orders and alerts in the Flin Flon area. Cranberry Portage is located approximately 100 km north of The Pas, 50 km south of Flin Flon, and 700 km northwest of Winnipeg.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Stay tuned for the latest developments on this wildfire situation in Northern Manitoba.