Firefighters face extreme heat and wind in Manitoba as wildfires force evacuations and power cuts. Whiteshell Park closed; Hydro facilities shut down.
Wildfires Rage Across Manitoba, Forcing Evacuations and Hydro Shutdowns
Firefighters in southeastern Manitoba continue to battle dangerous wildfires under sweltering heat, dry conditions, and strong winds. Officials say more challenging days lie ahead, as blazes destroy homes, threaten critical infrastructure, and force widespread evacuations.
Extreme Conditions and Fire Growth
“We have hot, hot weather right now; we have dry conditions, and we’ve had some very windy days,” said Kristin Hayward, Assistant Deputy Minister with the Manitoba Wildfire Service. “We expect that to continue today and tomorrow.” Although rain is in the forecast, it’s unlikely to make a meaningful difference in containing the fires.
Twenty-four wildfires were active as of Wednesday, with six requiring urgent response. Fires near Lac du Bonnet and Nopiming Provincial Park are out of control, with the Nopiming blaze now spanning nearly 100,000 hectares and Lac du Bonnet fire covering 3,000 hectares.
Over 1,000 Evacuated as Fires Spread
Close to 1,000 property owners have been evacuated from Lac du Bonnet. Additional evacuations began Wednesday evening in the communities of Badger and Woodridge. Christine Stevens, Assistant Deputy Minister with Manitoba’s Emergency Management Organization, urged residents to steer clear of affected zones. “We are very much in a live response event,” she said.
Another growing concern is a 20,000-hectare fire in Ingolf, Ontario, which could cross into Manitoba. Water bombers from Ontario have joined the effort to contain it.
Whiteshell Park Closed, Hydro Stations Evacuated
Due to escalating wildfire threats, Manitoba will close Whiteshell Provincial Park starting Thursday at 9 a.m. All public and private access will be restricted, and visitors must leave by 1 p.m. The park’s campgrounds will remain closed until at least May 21. Full-time residents must register with Manitoba Parks at designated locations or by calling 204-340-6769.
Meanwhile, Manitoba Hydro is evacuating its remaining employees from the Pointe du Bois and Slave Falls generating stations. Roads to the facilities could be cut off by fire, and safety concerns have prompted the shutdown of power units. Around 70 megawatts of generating capacity will be lost, but other plants will compensate. Hydro has also de-energized lines in affected areas to protect firefighters.
As of Wednesday, roughly 1,500 customers remain without electricity in fire zones.
Maple News Wire will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.
