Fire risk remains in Manitoba; fire sizes unchanged

CTV’s Jon Hendricks has the latest on Manitoba’s ongoing wildfire fight.

The current wildfire situation in Manitoba remains unchanged from Monday, according to the province’s latest bulletin Tuesday.

There are currently 122 active fires burning in Manitoba, and 305 wildfires in the province to date this year, which is above the average of 221 fires in previous years.

“The province remains at a moderate to high fire danger level, with small pockets of reduced fire danger observed,” the bulletin reads. “The fires of note and sizes remain unchanged from yesterday’s reporting.”

The City of Thompson, which has previously warned residents they need to prepare to evacuate, said the cooler temperatures in recent days has been helping.

“We’ve had a little bit of rain in the forecast; we’re buying days at a time now with the forest fire situation around us,” said Mayor Colleen Smook.

The city is currently focusing on protecting critical infrastructure, such as its water treatment plant and hydro stations, as well as creating flanks to prevent the wildfire from spreading.

The city has also seen 20 firefighters from Mexico to help battle the flames.

“It’s just been a phenomenal response by everybody coming to our aid,” Smook said. “This is a new way for us. We’re the ones that are usually the recipients of evacuees, so the fact that we could be on the other end is new to us.”

Smook said wind in the area will be strong Wednesday and they will be keeping an eye on any fire impact.

The fire near Thompson is approximately 16.37 hectares in size, according to the province’s bulletin.

-With files from CTV’s Daniel Halmarson