The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is now concentrating on controlling a 550 hectare forest fire in the Red Lake area.
The blaze has forced the immediate evacuation of the entire community.
Information Officer Chris Marchand says Red Lake #49 ignited Monday afternoon about two kilometres northeast of Madsen and it happened in high westerly winds and fairly extreme fire conditions.
“Upon discovery as many as five CL-415 water bombers were dispatched and worked that fire throughout the late afternoon and early evening to suppress it. The fire did cross Highway 618 closing that road.”
Crews have been able to stop it from crossing Highway 105.
Marchand says the fire is now moving east away from Madsen.
An Incident Management Team has been deployed to take control of the blaze.
After efforts failed to control the fire yesterday, the forecast is once again calling for warm, dry conditions and high winds, making it even more difficult for firefighters.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time and all efforts are being concentrated on protecting people and property.
(Picture: Sol Mamakwa Twitter)
