The wildfire threatening Lynn Lake, Man. continues its way to the town. A social media post was made by the Town of Lynn Lake on Sunday morning, updating the public on the current status. Fire #50 – which burned about 1,600 hectares and was located about 25 kilometres from the town according to the province’s fire status report as of 2:25 p.m. on Saturday – is not slowing down and burned about 5,100 hectares in total as of Sunday morning, with its head continuing to creep east toward Wasekwan Lake. “Along Burnt Timber Road, two dozers continue constructing the cat guard with SIG311 under the direction of Manitoba Wildfire Services and with support from Alamos Gold,” the post read. READ MORE: ‘Something we didn’t want to do’: Lynn Lake under mandatory evacuation order due to wildfire Initial Attack crews are installing hose lines to secure the cat guard and a burn team is on its way to plan a strategic back burn. Two fire engines and crews will help the wildfire services for possible back-burn operations, the post read. “One medium helicopter is arriving (Sunday) to assist operations, with heavy helicopter support for possible back burning operations … East winds are expected to create heavy smoke along PR-391 toward Leaf Rapids.” Local companies are providing support, such as providing meals and maintaining equipment to assist first responders. Lynn Lake Hospital remains open for emergency services, according to the Northern Health Region’s social media post on Saturday. Value protection work ongoing Efforts to protect properties and infrastructure continue, with the work at the Eldon Lake Industrial Area set to be completed Sunday morning. Value protection operations on the southeast side of Lynn Lake will start Sunday and remote assessments will be done to “develop additional protection strategies.” Meanwhile, the town is finalizing its comprehensive value protection plan for its priority infrastructure and municipal assets. Final evacuation flight leaving, all roads to Lynn Lake closed According to the town’s post, the final evacuation flight is set to depart soon, completing the evacuation operation. Manitoba Emergency Social Services is providing registration services, meals, accommodation and support to the evacuees in Brandon. Saturday evening, Manitoba 511 updated the public for the following road closures – all due to a fire in the area: All roads to Lynn Lake are officially closed and barricades have been installed, according to the town. ‘Another challenging day’ The town said the weather forecast is not in the first responders’ favour due to warmer temperatures, low humidity and changing winds. “We ask everyone to keep our wildfire crews, emergency responders, volunteers and all evacuees in your thoughts.”
