Northern Manitoba community evacuates for second time due to wildfire threats

Residents of Lynn Lake have evacuated for the second time this summer as a wildfire threatens the town’s power supply. Daniel Halmarson reports.

A northern Manitoba community has evacuated for the second time this year as a wildfire nearby is threatening Manitoba Hydro transmission lines.

Lynn Lake announced a mandatory evacuation of all 600 residents Friday morning.

“Once the fire reaches that line and takes out some of the wooden pole structures, we anticipate power being out for upwards of a month,” said Lynn Lake Mayor Brandon Dulewich.

Lynn Lake residents first evacuated due to wildfires on May 27 and returned June 20. Dulewich said the fire was originally under control and being held due to efforts from the province, but recent lightning strikes ignited a new fire. He added winds are also pushing the flames towards the transmission line.

“It’s not a question of if it’ll burn the line. It’s just a question of when,” he said. “So we’re anticipating any minute right now losing power to the community.”

Dulewich said firefighters are making it a priority to protect the community and keep the fire at bay, however, notes they need more resources.

“We’re trying to work with whatever resources we have,” he said.

The town is offering transportation for evacuees and a reception centre has been set up in Brandon, about 1,100 kilometres south of Lynn Lake.

-With files from CTV’s Alex Karpa and The Canadian Press