Forest fires cause smoke-filled skies

WINNIPEG – Firefighters are hoping favourable weather conditions will help disperse smoke from northern fires that’s filling the sky above Manitoba.

Gillam, Man., issued a voluntary evacuation notice on Monday because smoke was so thick in the community. The smoke caused haze and red sunsets and sunrises in southern Manitoba.

“That should be alleviated this afternoon by wind shift,” said Gary Friesen, manager of the Manitoba fire program.

Gillam residents who wanted accommodations in Thompson were to register at the Gillam Recreation Centre starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday, where they were given packages with information about allowances and accommodation arrangements, an announcement on the town website said.

Eight new fires started burning on Monday, Friesen said.

“The majority were from lightning,” he said, adding most are under control, although some larger, older fires are still burning out of control.

Friesen is hoping an anticipated change in wind direction and rain forecast for Wednesday will help fire crews.

A special air quality statement from Environment Canada warned smoke from the forest fires will continue to cause restricted visibility downwind.

“The visibility restriction and reduced air quality will be most pronounced at night, then ease during the daytime hours,” the statement says.