Fires damage ‘critical hydro infrastructure’ in Lynn Lake

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 07/07/2025 (262 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Wildfires burning near Lynn Lake have damaged “critical hydro infrastructure,” the town confirmed in a social media post on Monday afternoon.

Power remained on in the community, but “it cannot be guaranteed to remain stable,” the town said. “Crews are continuing to monitor the situation closely.”

The extent of the damage was unknown, with at least one hydro pole confirmed to be impacted.

“Due to fire activity and heavy smoke in the area, visual verification of the full extent of damage has been limited, and a complete assessment is not yet possible,” the post said.

Lynn Lake officials warned Friday that power could be out for a month if the remote transmission line is damaged, making it unsafe for residents to return due to the loss of essential services, including water treatment and food refrigeration. Manitoba Hydro says repairs would depend on the difficult terrain and whether equipment needs to be airlifted to the site.

Hundreds of evacuees from Lynn Lake arrived in Brandon on the weekend, as nearly 600 residents were forced to leave the area just two weeks after returning home from a previous evacuation in late May.

In a wildfire update on Monday afternoon, Manitoba Emergency Management Organization assistant deputy minister Christine Stevens said one fire — NO042 — is burning south of the community while another blaze — NO002 — has already consumed several hectares and remains out of control.

Stevens said provincial teams have been working directly with the community to ensure a co-ordinated response.

“Transportation has been arranged. Folks who require additional support have been identified and will be supported through the evacuation,” she said.

Stevens confirmed Lynn Lake remains one of six Manitoba communities currently evacuated as fires continue to threaten homes, infrastructure and public safety.

“About 64 personnel from the Office of the Fire Commissioner and the Manitoba Fire Service are supporting value protection and planning operations in Lynn Lake and other northern communities,” she added.

According to the town’s update, ground and aerial crews continue to monitor and attack hot spots from Fire NO002. Meanwhile, Fire NO042, which is now estimated to cover 9,500 hectares, is located approximately seven kilometres south of town.

“South winds are forecast to begin Tuesday and continue into Wednesday, which may push Fire NO042 closer to the community. The situation remains dynamic,” it added.

Officials warned that while efforts to contain the fires are ongoing, the situation remains fluid. “Please stay alert for updates,” the town said, urging residents and evacuees to remain informed.

Lynn Lake evacuees currently staying in Brandon have access to Public Health and Primary Care services daily from noon to 4 p.m. at the reception centre at the Victoria Inn.

For those needing home care, services can be activated by speaking to staff at the reception centre or by calling the Home Care Intake Line at 1-855-474-3338.

Mental health and addictions support is also available during the same hours. Support teams are active both at the Southern Chiefs’ Organization site in Salon A and at the reception centre. Staff are also conducting hotel rounds to connect evacuees with the help they need.

The Minor Injury and Illness Clinic in Brandon also remains open 12 hours daily and includes a prescriber on site.

More information on health supports is available at prairiemountainhealth.ca/wildfire-updates.

» The Brandon Sun