No evacuation order yet for the Municipality of Red Lake but there is growing concern with dry and windy conditions impacting area forest fires.
In their update this afternoon, the Municipality says forest fire conditions remain high and Red Lake Fire 77 and Red Lake Fire 16 continue to be a threat.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, along with the Municipality are continuing to monitor conditions.
Red Lake Fire 77 is not under control and mapped at 22,000 hectares in size, 20 kilometres west of Madsen and Starret-Olsen.
Red Lake Fire 16 is being observed at 70575.4 hectares in size, 10 kilometres north of Fire 77.
Crews from Ear Falls Fire and Kenora Fire have gone to assist Red Lake Fire and the MNRF with setting up sprinklers throughout the Municipality as precaution.
Read the full update from Mayor Fred Mota below:
Good afternoon everyone,
Update on Red Lake Fire 077 and Red Lake Fire 016
Please be advised the Municipality continues to work closely with the MNRF.
Currently, Red Lake Fire 077 remains approximately 20km west of the communities of Madsen and Starret-Olsen.
The winds today are blowing from the North and a Northwest direction.
As the fire behaviour increases with these dry conditions, the fire area of Red Lake 077 poses a growing concern for a potential evacuation.
The current size of this fire is over 22,000 hectares and not under control.
Red Lake Fire 016 is currently a much larger fire and not under control.
This fire behavior may also pose a threat to our community and remains approximately 10km to the North away from Red Lake fire 077.
There is a very real chance these fires will join together and gain strength and momentum. It is estimated that once combined, the fire may be well over 150,000 hectares in size.
I would also like remind our community that further fire protection services has begun. You may see sprinklers and equipment throughout various areas of our communities.
This proactive approach is designed to add an additional layer of protection, if required.
Last evening, July 12, 2021 we experienced a severe thunderstorm. As many of you witnessed, lightning was very prominent in our area.
We are assured the MNRF is seeking any hotspots for new fire activity.
The rainfall measurement was low at 7.6mm and was sporadic throughout the Municipal district. Finally, conditions remain extreme.
Please stay informed and diligent as the probability of an evacuation remains likely in our near future. There is no rain predicted with our forecast through this upcoming Sunday.
Take care and stay safe!
Mayor Fred Mota
