Creighton, Sask., keeping a close eye on out-of-control wildfire in Manitoba
35,000 hectare wildfire has forced evacuations near Flin Flon in northwestern Manitoba
People in Creighton, Sask., are keeping a close eye on a massive out-of-control wildfire burning across the provincial border in Manitoba.
The 35,000 hectare wildfire has forced evacuations in Cranberry Portage and other communities near Flin Flon in northwest Manitoba.
Creighton Mayor Bruce Fidler said he hopes residents in his town, which is just across the provincial border from Flin Flon, won't have to leave their homes.
"Obviously there is some concern, but so far fortunately the winds have been blowing it more in the direction kind of away from town," Fidler said.
"So for us, it's not too bad right now, but if the winds change, that obviously could change as well."
There haven't been any talks around evacuations from Creighton yet, Fidler said on Monday.
Saskatchewan is sending air bombers to Manitoba to help with wildfire suppression efforts. Crews from Ontario are expected to arrive on Monday or Tuesday according to the Manitoba government.
"We definitely welcome all the help that can be sent up to the area for that and hopefully the wind stays down so that they can all do their job properly and not have to battle those as well," Fidler said.
Creighton's mayor also offered his thoughts and a helping hand to people in Manitoba being evacuated from their homes.
"People that are being evacuated and are affected by it are more than welcome to come to Creighton if need be and we'll make them feel at home," Fidler said.
Fidler said it has been smoky in Creighton over the past few days, but conditions had improved a bit on Monday.
Creighton is one of the areas in northeastern Saskatchewan under an Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) special air quality statement. Statements are also in effect for places like Pelican Narrows, La Ronge and Cumberland House.
Stephen Berg, an ECCC meteorologist, said the fire in Manitoba and smaller wildfires in northeastern Saskatchewan are responsible for the poor air quality in the region.
"Things are quite unsettled at the moment and winds are quite variable, so it looks like [smoke] just keeps being blown toward various communities," Berg said.
Berg said the fires will need to be put out for the air quality to improve, so the statements will likely remain in effect for some time. He recommended staying inside when you can if it's smoky outside.
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