Residents in Thompson, Manitoba warned to pack essentials as possible evacuation looms due to out-of-control wildfires

Residents in Thompson, Manitoba are warned to pack essentials for possible evacuation due to an out-of-control wildfire. The city's 13,000 residents are advised to prepare for evacuation, while 33 residents of a personal care home are evacuated to Flin Flon due to air quality concerns. The province reports two wildfires, one near Thompson (16,370 hectares) and another near Lynn Lake (80,120 hectares), both out of control.

Residents in Thompson, Manitoba, are urged to prepare for possible evacuation due to an ongoing wildfire crisis. The city's 13,000 residents are advised to pack essentials and be ready to leave with little notice. Additionally, 33 residents of a personal care home in Thompson have been evacuated to Flin Flon due to air quality concerns [1].

The Manitoba Wildfire Service reports two significant wildfires in the region. The first, Fire NO061, is located near Thompson and has grown to approximately 16,370 hectares, with a mandatory evacuation order in place for the city. The second wildfire, Fire NO002, is situated near Lynn Lake and has expanded to approximately 80,120 hectares, also out of control [1].

The province has implemented a state of emergency under the Emergency Measures Act, with the wildfire season being the worst on record in the last 30 years. More than one million hectares of the province have been burned, leading to the cancellation of all burn permits in the province [1].

The Government of Manitoba is working to open congregate shelters in Winnipeg and Portage La Prairie, and a shelter at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg is set to begin operation on July 13. Evacuation efforts are ongoing, with multiple agencies participating in the process [1].

Residents are advised to follow emergency alerts and safety guidelines provided by the Manitoba government. For more information, visit MBReady at https://mbready.manitoba.ca or contact Manitoba 211 from anywhere in Manitoba [1].

References:
[1] https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=69838