Latest news with #TownOfSnowLake
CTV News
6 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
‘Extremely rare and dangerous': Pyrocumulus clouds develop near Snow Lake
A pyrocumulus cloud forming over a wildfire near Snow Lake, Man., on Aug. 5, 2025. (Town of Snow Lake / Facebook) Clouds formed by wildfire heat near Snow Lake posed 'significant risk' to the fight against the flames, according to the town's Facebook page. The town said pyrocumulus clouds, which develop from extreme heat that gives rise to thunderstorm-like formations, formed over a wildfire Tuesday. 'Pyrocumulus clouds can generate their own lightning and strong, unpredictable winds—conditions that increase the risk of new fire starts,' said the town's post, which included information supplied by Manitoba Wildfire Service. 'The system did eventually collapse later in the day which brought localized winds and storm-like conditions … Thankfully, this event was not as significant as it could have been.' The clouds were described as 'extremely rare and dangerous,' with the town noting that they 'may have contributed to additional fire behaviour.' 'In extreme cases, it can basically become its own thunderstorm,' said Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Crawford Luke. Snow Lake said recent tanker operations had a 'good effect' in minimizing the threat to local power lines, adding that they are hopeful for rain amid a risk of thunderstorms today. Manitoba Wildfire Service said Tuesday was a 'much better day' for fighting fires in the North region as aircraft were able to operate throughout the day, according to a Facebook post from the City of Thompson. The city said Fire NO061, which is approximately 14 kilometres north of Thompson, experienced lots of growth on the north end, which is not being targeted now. 'Plans for a backburn in the area have been shelved as the fire is burning back on itself and cleaning up its own edges in the process,' said the city. 'The weather forecast looks promising for the next few days, with high relative humidity and a chance of precipitation today and for Thursday, Friday and Saturday.' Manitoba Wildfire Service continues to respond to 165 active wildfires across the province, with a total of 401 wildfires to date, according to the province's latest fire bulletin.
CTV News
31-07-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Increased fire activity expected over the coming days: City of Thompson
A burned utility pole near Snow Lake, Man., is shown in a photo posted to the town's website on July 31, 2025. (Town of Snow Lake) The City of Thompson said nearby wildfires intensified on Wednesday, which is expected to continue over the coming days. Three wildfires near the northern city—fires NO050, NO061 and NO062— 'heated up and saw increased fire activity,' according to a Facebook post Thursday from the city. The post noted 'crews made good progress' Wednesday on the southern portion of Fire NO061 to the east of Mystery Lake, with two helicopters bucketing the area. The out-of-control fire was 14 kilometres away from the city and about 18,365 hectares in size on Tuesday, per the province. Helicopters will continue bucketing the fire, which has jumped the Burntwood River, according to the post. Mexican firefighting crews are also helping in the push to contain the flames. The city said nine new fires started in the north region Wednesday. Thompson Fire NO061 was 14 kilometres away from the City of Thompson on Tuesday, according to the Manitoba government. Uploaded on July 31, 2025. (CTV News Winnipeg) Warm and dry conditions are expected to increase the fire activity over the coming days, per the post, with temperatures expected to be in the 25 C to 30 C range throughout the long weekend and into early next week. Meanwhile, the Town of Snow Lake anticipates the nearby fire to continue pushing towards the northeast due to hot and dry weather. According to the town's website, Highway 395 is serving as a natural barrier to contain many kilometres of active fire line, eliminating the threat of the fire jumping to the south, where there is lots of 'green fuel.' The town said there was 'significant growth' on the north end of Fire WE052 Wednesday, pushing flames to both the southern and northern shores of Squall Lake. The fire line directly north of Snow Lake continues to be a high priority, according to the town. The fire near Snow Lake is approximately 28,115 hectares in size and out of control.
