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Winnipeg Free Press

Brandon firefighters race to Lynn Lake to protect buildings from flames

BRANDON — Five Brandon firefighters and two of the fire department's officers have been summoned to help protect Lynn Lake, which has been evacuated owing to the wildfires burning around it. All five are trained paramedics. They, along with a shift officer and a training officer, left Brandon early Thursday, said Brandon Fire and Emergency Services Chief Terry Parlow. 'They won't be fighting any forest fires,' Parlow said. 'They'll have two focuses once they get to Lynn Lake. They'll be going around the community making sure there are no hot spots in the urban centre of the town.' They will also protect properties by erecting and manning sprinklers. Lynn Lake, which has a population of 600, is about 1,157 kilometres north of Brandon. Except for essential workers, everyone was evacuated Monday because of an out-of-control wildfire north of the community, estimated at 7,000 hectares in size. Parlow put out a request to see if anyone was interested in making the 12-hour drive, and said he had 30 people sign up. 'First and foremost, we just wanted to make sure that we answered the call that Premier (Wab) Kinew put out, which is to help out as much as we can as a fire service. So, we're just doing what we need to do. This is important for our fellow Manitobans,' Parlow said. The teams will be deployed for up to six days at a time on a rotating basis. Each team will leave when the new crew arrives. 'We'll get updates from our team as well as the province as to where they need us next. And it might not be Lynn Lake, so the next team might be going somewhere else,' Parlow said. More than 17,000 residents of northern communities scrambled to escape advancing wildfires this week, as the City of Flin Flon, Pimicikamak Cree Nation and Mathias Colomb First Nation issued mandatory evacuation orders. Brandon, Winnipeg and Portage la Prairie have stepped up by taking evacuees, the majority of whom have arrived in Winnipeg. As of Thursday afternoon, Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett said about 300 evacuees are being housed in Brandon hotels, with another 200 in Portage la Prairie. Most of the evacuees in Brandon are from Pimicikamak Cree Nation, Fawcett said, adding that it was quite possible Brandon could expect more arrivals. 'Things are changing quickly,' Fawcett said. 'Everybody is prepared for more.' Fawcett, in a Thursday news release, extended his thoughts and support to all First Nations and municipalities impacted by the wildfires, while sending thanks to those fighting the fires in all capacities. 'We are profoundly grateful to all of the first responders and volunteers working tirelessly to protect our fellow Manitobans,' Fawcett said. — Brandon Sun