WINNIPEG - Hundreds of people in northwest Manitoba remained out of their homes Tuesday as crews continued to battle an out-of-control wildfire that measured 316 square kilometres.
The fire had not grown in two days, but there was no end in sight to the battle against the blaze and no word on when residents might be able to return home.
"Even during the time that we were in the air, you saw it get that much more serious," Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said after getting an aerial tour of the area and meeting with people on the ground.
More than 500 people were told to leave Cranberry Portage and the surrounding area on the weekend as winds drove the fire close to the community. Many went to south to The Pas. Others went north to Flin Flon.
Provincial officials said one end of the fire remained within 1,500 metres of Cranberry Portage on Tuesday.
A section of the main highway in the region, Highway 10, was reopened but motorists had to go to checkstops and get a police escort to travel through.
The fire crossed a section of railway in the area and shut down rail travel between Cranberry Portage and Pukatawagan to the north.
Air tankers and helicopters have been working on the fire, and additional crews from Ontario had joined the effort.
The fight to extinguish the blaze could take a month, Manitoba's wildfire director said earlier in the week.
Kinew promised financial support for housing, food and other necessities. Many of the affected people visited reception centres and were put up in hotels or found room with relatives.
Flin Flon Fire Department Engine 1 firefighters Damian Dominey, left to right, Jarett Kemp, Sean Yaworski, Jordan Reykdal and David Green speak with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew in the Flin Flon airport as wildfires burn in northern Manitoba on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski
- David Lipnowski
An extreme fire warning sign is shown along Highway 97 toward Fort Nelson outside the Charlie Lake Fire Hall near Fort St. John, B.C., on Monday, May 13, 2024. Wildfires are forcing more people to evacuate their homes in dry and windy northeastern B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jesse Boily
- Jesse Boily
A Fort St. John resident volunteers scoops up pet food into pet care packages at the North Peace Arena in Fort St. John, B.C., on Monday, May 13, 2024. Wildfires are forcing more people to evacuate their homes in dry and windy northeastern B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jesse Boily
- Jesse Boily
Christine Erbs (left to right), Sophie LaRocque, Frankie LaRocque and Perlie LaRocque, Fort Nelson, B.C. evacuees, gather for a photo as they pick up supplies for their dog Cookie at the North Peace Arena in Fort St. John, B.C., on Monday, May 13, 2024. Wildfires are forcing more people to evacuate their homes in dry and windy northeastern B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jesse Boily
- Jesse Boily
Kristen Leer, a Fort Nelson, B.C. evacuee, stops for a photo at the North Peace Arena in Fort St. John, B.C., on Monday, May 13, 2024. Leer said as a quadriplegic she is impressed with how the province is treating people with disabilities.Wildfires are forcing more people to evacuate their homes in dry and windy northeastern B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jesse Boily
- Jesse Boily
An extreme fire warning sign is shown along Highway 97 toward Fort Nelson outside the Charlie Lake Fire Hall near Fort St. John, B.C., on Monday, May 13, 2024. Wildfires are forcing more people to evacuate their homes in dry and windy northeastern B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jesse Boily
- Jesse Boily
Perlie LaRocque, a Fort Nelson, B.C. evacuee, tries to get her dog Cookie to try a new dog bed at the North Peace Arena in Fort St. John B.C., on Monday, May 13, 2024 as her daughter Frankie looks on. Wildfires are forcing more people to evacuate their homes in dry and windy northeastern B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jesse Boily
- Jesse Boily
Signage is shown on the doors to the registration centre for wildfire evacuees at the North Peace Arena in Fort St. John, B.C., on Monday, May 13, 2024. Wildfires are forcing more people to evacuate their homes in dry and windy northeastern B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jesse Boily
- Jesse Boily
Western Canada wildfires
A fire department vehicle enters the evacuated neighbourhood of Beacon Hill in Fort McMurray, Alta., on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
- Jeff McIntosh
Fire fighting personnel arrive in the evacuated neighbourhood of Beacon Hill in Fort McMurray, Alta., on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
- Jeff McIntosh
Fire department personnel walk through the evacuated neighbourhood of Beacon Hill in Fort McMurray, Alta., on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
- Jeff McIntosh
A pumper truck sprays fire retardant on trees around the evacuated neighbourhood of Beacon Hill in Fort McMurray, Alta., on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
- Jeff McIntosh
Police vehicles block the entrance to the evacuated neighbourhood of Beacon Hill in Fort McMurray, Alta., on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
- Jeff McIntosh
A resident gets back into his vehicle after speaking with police officers blocking the entrance to the evacuated neighbourhood of Prairie Creek in Fort McMurray, Alta., on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
- Jeff McIntosh
Police vehicles block the entrance to the evacuated neighbourhood of Beacon Hill in Fort McMurray, Alta., on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
- Jeff McIntosh
Fire get into their truck in the evacuated neighbourhood of Beacon Hill in Fort McMurray, Alta., on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
- Jeff McIntosh
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith gives an update on the Alberta wildfire situation, in Edmonton on Wednesday May 15, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
- JASON FRANSON
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith watches as Alberta Wildfire information unit manager Christie Tucker gives an update on the Alberta wildfire situation, in Edmonton on Wednesday May 15, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson.
- JASON FRANSON
A wildfire burns in northern Manitoba near near Flin Flon, as seen from a helicopter surveying the situation, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski
- David Lipnowski
A wildfire burns in northern Manitoba near near Flin Flon, as seen from a helicopter surveying the situation on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski
- David Lipnowski
A wildfire burns in northern Manitoba near near Flin Flon, as seen from a helicopter surveying the situation, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski
- David Lipnowski
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, left, and Manitoba wildfire service area Fire Manager Sam Done, right, survey wildfires burning in northern Manitoba from a helicopter, on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski
- David Lipnowski
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew surveys wildfires burning in northern Manitoba from a helicopter on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski
- David Lipnowski
Manitoba Wildfire Service Area Fire Manager Sam Done surveys wildfires burning in northern Manitoba from a helicopter on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski
- David Lipnowski
A wildfire burns in northern Manitoba near near Flin Flon, as seen from a helicopter surveying the situation, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski
- David Lipnowski
A wildfire burns in northern Manitoba near near Flin Flon, as seen from a helicopter surveying the situation, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski
- David Lipnowski
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew speaks with firefighters at the Flin Flon airport, as wildfires burn in northern Manitoba, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski
- David Lipnowski
Firefighters arrive at the Flin Flon airport, as wildfires burn in northern Manitoba on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski
- David Lipnowski
A cottage destroyed by wildfires burning in northern Manitoba, is seen from a helicopter on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski
- David Lipnowski
Flin Flon Fire Department Engine 1 firefighters Damian Dominey, left to right, Jarett Kemp, Sean Yaworski, Jordan Reykdal and David Green speak with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew in the Flin Flon airport as wildfires burn in northern Manitoba on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski
- David Lipnowski
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew speaks with Ontario firefighters at the Flin Flon airport as wildfires burn in northern Manitoba, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski
- David Lipnowski
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew speaks with evacuees from the Cranberry Portage area at the reception centre at the Wescana Inn in The Pas, Man., as wildfires burn in northern Manitoba, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski
- David Lipnowski
Firefighters from The Pas, Manitoba Aidan Forseille, left, and Stephen Reich prepare hoses at the Flin Flon airport, as wildfires burn in northern Manitoba, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski
- David Lipnowski
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew speaks with Flin Flon municipal staff at the Victoria Inn in Flin Flon, Man., as wildfires burn in northern Manitoba, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski
- David Lipnowski
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew speaks with evacuees from the Cranberry Portage area in The Pas, Man., as wildfires burn in northern Manitoba, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski
- David Lipnowski
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew speaks with evacuees from the Cranberry Portage area in The Pas, Man., as wildfires burn in northern Manitoba, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski
- David Lipnowski
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, right, and Manitoba wildfire service area Fire Manager Sam Done arrive at the Flin Flon airport, as wildfires burn in northern Manitoba, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski
- David Lipnowski
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew speaks meets firefighters from The Pas, Manitoba at the Flin Flon airport, as wildfires burn in northern Manitoba, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski
- David Lipnowski
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew arrives at the Flin Flon airport with Deputy Fire Commissioner for the Province of Manitoba Grant Winder, as wildfires burn in northern Manitoba on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski
- David Lipnowski
An extreme fire warning sign is shown along Highway 97 toward Fort Nelson outside the Charlie Lake Fire Hall near Fort St. John, B.C., on Monday, May 13, 2024. Wildfires are forcing more people to evacuate their homes in dry and windy northeastern B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jesse Boily
- Jesse Boily
A Fort St. John resident volunteers scoops up pet food into pet care packages at the North Peace Arena in Fort St. John, B.C., on Monday, May 13, 2024. Wildfires are forcing more people to evacuate their homes in dry and windy northeastern B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jesse Boily
- Jesse Boily
Christine Erbs (left to right), Sophie LaRocque, Frankie LaRocque and Perlie LaRocque, Fort Nelson, B.C. evacuees, gather for a photo as they pick up supplies for their dog Cookie at the North Peace Arena in Fort St. John, B.C., on Monday, May 13, 2024. Wildfires are forcing more people to evacuate their homes in dry and windy northeastern B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jesse Boily
- Jesse Boily
Kristen Leer, a Fort Nelson, B.C. evacuee, stops for a photo at the North Peace Arena in Fort St. John, B.C., on Monday, May 13, 2024. Leer said as a quadriplegic she is impressed with how the province is treating people with disabilities.Wildfires are forcing more people to evacuate their homes in dry and windy northeastern B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jesse Boily
- Jesse Boily
Fort Nelson, B.C. evacuees gather at the North Peace Arena in Fort St. John , B.C., on Monday, May 13, 2024. Wildfires are forcing more people to evacuate their homes in dry and windy northeastern B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jesse Boily
- Jesse Boily
Food and animal supplies are available for evacuees at the North Peace Arena in Fort St. John, B.C., on Monday, May 13, 2024. Wildfires are forcing more people to evacuate their homes in dry and windy northeastern B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jesse Boily
- Jesse Boily
Fort Nelson, B.C. evacuees gather at the North Peace Arena in Fort St. John , B.C., on Monday, May 13, 2024. Wildfires are forcing more people to evacuate their homes in dry and windy northeastern B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jesse Boily
- Jesse Boily
A dog waits for its owner at the North Peace Arena in Fort St. John, B.C., on Monday, May 13, 2024. Wildfires are forcing more people to evacuate their homes in dry and windy northeastern B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jesse Boily
- Jesse Boily
Fort Nelson, B.C. evacuee Jim Wright looks on after registering at the North Peace Arena in Fort St. John , B.C., on Monday, May 13, 2024. Wildfires are forcing more people to evacuate their homes in dry and windy northeastern B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jesse Boily
- Jesse Boily
An extreme fire warning sign is shown along Highway 97 toward Fort Nelson outside the Charlie Lake Fire Hall near Fort St. John, B.C., on Monday, May 13, 2024. Wildfires are forcing more people to evacuate their homes in dry and windy northeastern B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jesse Boily
- Jesse Boily
Karen Nicolai, a Fort Nelson, B.C. evacuee, rests at the North Peace Arena in Fort St. John , B.C., on Monday, May 13, 2024. Wildfires are forcing more people to evacuate their homes in dry and windy northeastern B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jesse Boily
- Jesse Boily
Perlie LaRocque, a Fort Nelson, B.C. evacuee, tries to get her dog Cookie to try a new dog bed at the North Peace Arena in Fort St. John B.C., on Monday, May 13, 2024 as her daughter Frankie looks on. Wildfires are forcing more people to evacuate their homes in dry and windy northeastern B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jesse Boily
- Jesse Boily
Signage is shown on the doors to the registration centre for wildfire evacuees at the North Peace Arena in Fort St. John, B.C., on Monday, May 13, 2024. Wildfires are forcing more people to evacuate their homes in dry and windy northeastern B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jesse Boily
- Jesse Boily
"Some folks may be asked to move to Dauphin further south, Brandon, Winnipeg, other locations," Kinew said.
"Folks are stressed out. It's been a very trying, difficult experience. We're going to just try to make it that much easier for folks who've been through so much already."
This report by ºÃÉ«tvwas first published May 14, 2024.
