Lynn Lake, Man., nearly forced to evacuate over out-of-control wildfire

Residents in Lynn Lake, Man., are shaken but relieved after a "scary" wildfire that nearly forced the town to be evacuated was brought under control on Friday.

On Friday afternoon, Rebecca Colomb, 20, noticed thick black smoke rising from brush alongside the town garage on the outskirts of the town, just beyond the Lynn River.

"There was just a lot of smoke, and then it grew, and there was more smoke…. I think it jumped and then there [were] two fires," she said. 

Located about 1,000 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, Lynn Lake reached a sweltering 38 C on Thursday, exceeding its previous record of 30.4 C set in 1981, Environment Canada said.

Colomb and her work crew watched as the massive fire moved rapidly toward town. As the flames drew closer, she said her work supervisor called the town's mayor, the natural resources department and the fire department, which responded quickly.

"I was freaked out, shocked, a little scared," she said, and shared video she filmed of those tense moments.

All residents were told to go to the local arena to register for evacuation, she said, which she did at around 4 p.m.

Half the town's power had gone out too, she added. The air was thick with smoke.

"We just waited because the water bombers came and they were putting water over the fire. They managed to get it under control," Colomb said.

She said she feels relieved but "sketchy" about the whole situation — on Friday night, she said a helicopter was still overhead, dumping water where the fire had been to ensure it was out.

Several residents told CBC News they were told to keep their belongings packed in case the fire starts up again overnight. CBC has reached out to the Lynn Lake mayor, fire chief and province for comment.

Fires across province

The blazing heat enveloping Manitoba is prompting provincial fire officials to warn the public of "high to extreme" levels of fire danger across the entire province. 

The Manitoba Wildfire Service said as of Friday there were 17 active fires burning, the majority in the province's eastern region. Since Sunday, the province has detected 19 new fires. 

"All active fires are located east of Lake Winnipeg, including a number of larger fires in remote areas, which are being monitored closely," the service said in a statement on the province's website. 

As well, multiple wildfires are burning in northwestern Ontario which may bring smoke into parts of Manitoba.

The wildfire service was using 15 helicopters, six water-bomber aircraft and 28 additional firefighters to combat the current fires. 

The service cautioned people to use extreme caution over the weekend if doing anything that might spark a wildfire. It specifically mentioned fireworks displays and campfires. 

Wildfires can be reported by calling 911 or the T.I.P. line at 1-800-782-0076.