News Aerial Firefighting Emergency Response
Northwestern Manitoba town evacuated due to encroaching wildfire

LEAF RAPIDS, Man. — A town in northwestern Manitoba has had to evacuate due to an encroaching wildfire that could threaten a nearby hydro line.

The town of Leaf Rapids declared a state of emergency Monday evening and has directed its roughly 350 residents to head to the city of Thompson.

The province’s latest wildfire bulletin shows an out-of-control fire is burning near the town and has been active for two weeks.

The fire is more than 105 square kilometres in size.

Leaf Rapids says in a social media post that the wind direction is expected to change and affect air quality in the region.

As of Sunday, there were 42 fires burning in the province, with two deemed out of control.

News from © Canadian Press Enterprises Inc., 2021