Cabin owners in certain areas of Whiteshell Provincial Park were hurriedly gathering their belongings on Tuesday following an uncontrollable wildfire near the Ontario border, prompting authorities to issue an evacuation notice for the southern region.
The fire originated on the south side of Longpine Lake at Ingolf, Ont., on Monday afternoon and has since crossed over into Manitoba. Ontario’s fire service deployed water bombers to collect water from West Hawk Lake and douse the flames.
Samuel Klass expressed surprise at the swift evacuation notice for southern Whiteshell cottagers, stating that he rushed to his family’s cottage on the north side of West Hawk Lake, a property held since 1954, to retrieve cherished items like family photos and fishing gear before the 5 p.m. deadline.
Klass mentioned that the evacuation order caught him off guard, giving him only an hour to gather essentials. Despite hoping for the best, he acknowledged the imminent threat posed by the wildfire.
The evacuation encompasses areas on the north side of West Hawk Lake, including Caddy Lake, Florence, and Nora Lake. Numerous camping sites and trails within Whiteshell Provincial Park are closed as a precaution, such as the Mantario Trail, Hunt Lake, Lost Lake, Whiteshell River, and Big Whiteshell hiking and biking trails.
Concerned about the changing wind conditions, Klass observed a significant plume of black smoke over Misty Bay when the wind subsided on Tuesday. He remains cautiously optimistic that his cabin will be spared from the approaching wildfire.
The fire’s estimated size is approximately 8,000 hectares, as reported by Chris Marchand, a fire information officer from Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire, and Emergency Services. Marchand highlighted the dangerous combination of hot, dry, and windy conditions, exacerbating the fire’s intensity due to the prolonged absence of rainfall.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, with an ongoing investigation. Marchand clarified that there is no current fire ban in the area.
Arlene Hryckiw, along with her year-round resident mother near West Hawk Lake, swiftly left their property on Monday upon receiving the mandatory evacuation notice. Hryckiw recounted the urgency of loading belongings onto a boat even before official notification.
Reflecting on the intense sight of red flames on the horizon and the unsettling sounds of exploding propane tanks carried by the wind, Hryckiw expressed empathy for those affected by the wildfire, recognizing the devastation experienced by many cottage owners.
To safeguard cottages at risk, plans are being considered to install sprinkler systems around the nearest properties. Evacuated southern Whiteshell residents are directed to a reception center at the West Hawk Lake fire hall, while those from the north side should report to the Rennie District Office.