Wildfires on Manitoba-Ontario border grow, province issues evacuation orders

LATEST: Manitoba wildfires: Water bombers douse flames, cottagers continue to flee

WINNIPEG — Winds, sun and dry weather is continuing to drive wildfires on the Manitoba-Ontario border, near Caddy Lake. It has now also extended to Beresford Lake, which has grown to approximately 20,000 hectares.

The province said fires have increased in size to approximately 1,000 hectares. The fires, which sparked on Thursday evening, is currently affecting several areas, including West Hawk, Florence and Nora lakes. Parts of McDougalls Landing have also been closed off, with sprinkler systems in effect for cabins in these areas.

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As of Sunday afternoon, a mandatory evacuation has been ordered for the Beresford cottage subdivision near Nopiming Provincial Park. On Saturday night, evacuations were also ordered for McDougalls Landing and the east shore cabins of West Hawk Lake. The province said in a fire bulletin that there evacuations were ordered because “many of the cottages are boat or walk-in access only, requiring boats and barges to transport equipment.

In fire bulletin, the province, along with Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources, said it has dispatched ground crews, helicopters and water bombers to help tackle problem areas.

READ MORE: Forest fires spreading along Manitoba, Ontario border, mandatory evacuations in place

The Wildfire Program of Manitoba Sustainable Development has continued its ban on burns for the eastern, central and western areas of the province.

Travel restrictions are in place for Spruce Woods Provincial Park and in the wildlife refuge near CFB Shilo. The province said camping is currently only allowed in developed camping and launching of boats will be limited only to developed shore lines.