Manitoba town to evacuate due to wildfire

The northern Manitoba town of Lynn Lake has issued a mandatory evacuation order as a nearby wildfire threatens to cause an imminent loss of power to the community.

The evacuation begins Friday, though officials haven't provided a time for when residents must be out of their homes.

The town says that if wildfire activity affects Manitoba Hydro transmission lines, residents could see a power outage lasting at least one month.

Town officials also noted several other wildfires near Lynn Lake, including two blazes to the southeast that could cut off travel between Lynn Lake and Thompson.

A reception centre has been set up in the city of Brandon, more than 1,100 kilometres south of Lynn Lake.

There are 60 wildfires currently burning in Manitoba, 17 of which are classified as out of control.