More northern Manitobans are returning to their homes as cooler weather helps the battle against threatening forest fires.
Dozens of people forced from the community of Sherridon are being allowed to return, after a large blaze swept past the hamlet over the weekend. Norway House residents are also returning to their homes.
Tom Mirus, head of the provincial fire program, says no new fires have been reported as of Monday afternoon.
However, Manitoba Conservation said there are four fires of concern:
- St. Theresa Point (1,600 hectares)
- Wasagamack (500 ha)
- Sherridon (10,400 ha)
- Grand Rapids (29,000 ha)
Manitoba Conservation said the fires are not currently threatening communities but they are consuming valuable timberland. No new starts have been reported so far on Monday.
About 730 people still remain evacuated from Sherridon, St. Theresa Point and Wasagamack.
Another fire, 40 kilometres north of Grand Rapids, is not threatening any communities but has crossed a local highway.
Smoke closing highway
Manitoba Highways has closed Highway 6 Monday afternoon because heavy smoke has reduced visibility. It was open again at around 8 p.m. Monday evening.
Up to 500 firefighters, 29 helicopters and 13 water bombers and other aircraft are battling the fires with extra attention to those burning near communities.
Ontario has provided 22 crews and two water bombers to help out, Alberta has supplied seven crews, while Quebec has sent two water bombers.
