Manitoba officials say wildfires are picking up again in the province after a brief reprieve thanks to some wet weather.
Kristin Hayward, assistant deputy minister, Conservation Officer Service and Manitoba Wildfire Service, and Christine Stevens, assistant deputy minister, Manitoba Emergency Management Organization, spoke to media at 12:45 p.m. from the Manitoba legislature.
There are currently 118 wildfires burning across Manitoba this afternoon, part of a total of 313 — considerably higher than the average of 229 fires at this time of year.
Hayward said a large blaze in the area of Pimicikimak Cree Nation and Wabowden continues to grow, although it’s not currently threatening any structures.
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“One that’s been burning near Cross Lake – Pimicikimak for quite some time — that fire is now over 153,000 hectares, it has swallowed up a couple of smaller fires that had started in that area.”
A fire south of Lynn Lake has also grown, she said, but there’s currently no risk to the community.
Premier Wab Kinew renewed Manitoba’s state of emergency a week ago as wildfires continued to rage in the province’s north. Thousands have since been evacuated from their homes, many for the second time this summer.
The province said Thursday that close to 13,000 Manitobans have been evacuated, although many are finding spaces in hotels or with family and friends rather than congregate shelters.
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