Over 5,000 residents in Flin Flon were forced from their homes yesterday as the fires encroached on the community.

Highway 10 to The Pas was jammed all evening as a convoy of vehicles made their way from Flin Flon to The Pas. The premier declared a state of emergency across the province as the north is being crippled by fires.

Prime Minister Mark Carney also agreed to send military aid to support and help with evacuations.

The parking lots at the GLMC, Roy H. Johnston, Aseneskak, and the ag grounds were filled to the brim with vehicles and RVs.

Residents of The Pas are being asked to help with accommodations for friends and family members from Flin Flon, as hotels in the area are already full.

Flin Flon residents can also call 2-11 for more assistance and are urged to register for Flin Flon Connect at the city of Flin Flon.ca for more updates.

Manitoba has the largest percentage of fires burning across the country, as firefighters from coast to coast have been in the province supporting wildfire suppression efforts.

The province wants to remind everyone that flying drones near wildfires can prevent water bombers from being able to do their jobs.

Fires in Easterville have caused residents to leave their homes, and Flin Flon is on an evacuation alert. Patients have already been moved from the hospital.

North of Wanless, crews worked to suppress fires along the #10 highway, allowing it to reopen, but those fires continue to burn.

This season, 15 people have been charged with starting wildfires, and 21 warnings have been issued.

Currently, 10 active wildfires are burning in Northern Manitoba, and with hot, dry conditions continuing, everyone is encouraged to practice fire safety.

Fires continue to be an issue in Northern Manitoba as dry weather persists, and temperatures in Flin Flon, Thompson, and The Pas are expected to peak in the high 20s to low 30s over the next few days.

A province-wide fire ban is in effect, as out-of-control fires burn in Easterville, Northwest of Creighton, Pukatawagon, Cross Lake, and Wabowden.

Residents in Lynn Lake were evacuated yesterday, while residents in other priority areas are being told to prepare in case evacuations occur.

You should have a wildfire evacuation plan in place, which includes preparing an evacuation bag with food, water, cash, medications, toys for children, and pet necessities.

You should also have your vehicles gassed up and be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

For other wildfire readiness tips, go to gov.mb.ca.

Manitoba First Nations Police Services is continuing to look for suspects in an attack that took place over the weekend, which led to a child being taken to the hospital.

The child had been cut on the head but was released from the hospital later that evening.

The incident took place at the fair in the GLMC parking lot on Saturday evening.

Officers were able to seize one of the weapons that were used in the attack, but were not able to apprehend a suspect.

If you have any information that could assist with the investigation, you are asked to contact the MFNP at 204-623-8200.

An incident at a fair in the OCN over the weekend caused widespread fear and panic across The Pas and OCN and led to the spread of false information through social media.

According to authorities, last Saturday in the early evening, a young person got caught in the middle of a fight between two individuals at the Fair that led to a stabbing.

EMS was called in and escorted the youth to the hospital, where he was treated for a non-life-threatening wound and released later that evening.

As RCMP investigations are ongoing, the public is reminded that vigilante justice is not the answer.

The Legion held a paint night with local painter Bernice Sibakow this past week, and there was a huge turnout.

Bernice has hosted paint nights for nearly 10 years in the community and has painted most of her life.

Sibakow said she is planning more paint nights in the future.

In the meantime, the Legion will be hosting a community-wide clean-up and BBQ this Sunday starting at 1 p.m.

Everyone is encouraged to take part.

Dauphin's annual country fest is coming quickly from June 26th to the 29th.

This year's show will feature over 50 acts on three different stages, including what is expected to be John Michael Montgomery's final Canadian performance.

In addition to the music, there will be other events to attend.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will attend the festival on Thursday, June 26th, and the Grey Cup will be on display.

Lots of camping is also available, although spots are filling fast.

Go to countryfest.ca to find tickets now.

The Rotary Club of The Pas is always looking for new members.

The meetings take place at the A&W on the fourth Tuesday of the month, and the club is considering new technology to host virtual meetings.

The Rotary club will take a break from its catch-the-big-one draws until the end of summer, and preparations are now underway for the fish fry in the fall and the club's centennial anniversary in 2029.

The MS Walk in The Pas will take place this weekend, and everyone is welcome to join in.

Canada exhibits one of the highest rates of MS worldwide, with over 90,000 Canadians living with the disease.

The Walk this weekend will start at the legion with a gathering and speeches at 10:30, and the walk to follow at 11am.

Registration can be done online at the MS Walk Canada Website but walk-ups are more than welcome to show up at the event.

Triathletes from around the north are encouraged to register for the Tri-Community Triathlon in The Pas.

The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 31st.

It will start at the Winton pool, followed by the cycling portion along Grace Lake Road and the run along the bike path in town.

They are still looking for volunteers to help with the race.

Registration is open until May 29th and is open to everyone six and up.

Registration for the Triathlon can be done at triathlonmanitoba.ca.

Favourable conditions have helped to hold the wildfires northwest of The Pas and OCN.

The fires have burned through over 40 thousand hectares, but are being helped thanks to the work being done by local and out-of-town firefighters.

Currently, Cranberry Portage is on alert due to fires southwest of the community along Athapapuskow Lake.

Northern Insights is hosting Expressive Art Therapy in the community for teen girls looking for support with issues like depression, anxiety, conflict, and trauma through art.

There will be visual art making, mindfulness practice, and coping skills.

They will also be working on altered art pieces, where old original artwork will be taken and altered in fun and creative ways.

The 2-part workshop will run on the 24th and 31st of May from 1 to 2:30 and is open for girls aged 13 to 17.

The cost is 75 dollars, covers both afternoons, and is Blue Cross eligible.

To register, email northerninsightsexat@mail.com.

In the early evening last Saturday, RCMP in Thompson responded to a report of intimate partner violence and sexual assault with a weapon.

Officers attended to the victim at the Wellbriety Center and found that she had been visibly injured.

The 42-year-old victim reported that her boyfriend had assaulted her multiple times with a hatchet while she was being sexually assaulted.

The accused, a 31-year-old from Thompson, was immediately arrested and later remanded into custody, where he remains while RCMP investigations continue.

Northland Ford in The Pas is hosting a BBQ and live show this afternoon to celebrate their 32nd anniversary in the community.

Everyone is welcome to attend a free show with award-winning Aboriginal musician Nelson Little, who will perform from 11 am to 2 pm.

A BBQ will also take place with free food for the community; Glenn O’Connell at Northland Ford welcomes everyone, especially Emergency responders, to attend.

Cake and food will be served from 11 to 2, and three-time MCMA award-winning Nelson Little will perform throughout.

A Thompson resident was arrested in Hamilton, Ontario, stemming from a shooting that took place back in September of last year.

Following the incident, a Canada-wide warrant had been issued for Tyrell Malique Porter.

He was tracked down thanks to extensive investigations by the Manitoba Integrated Violent Offender Apprehension Unit and Thompson RCMP.

Porter was charged with discharging a Firearm with Intent and other firearms-related offences.

Officers travelled to Ontario and returned Porter to Winnipeg, where he was remanded in custody.

The Kelsey School Students are hosting their spring concert today with afternoon and evening showings.

The students will perform various works by The Beatles and are welcoming the community for a much-needed show to help alleviate some of the stress the town has been under from fires in the area.

The showings take place at 1:30 and 7 p.m., and there will be a silver collection at the door.

The public is asked to use the Settee Ave entrance, which will open half an hour before each show.

Yesterday, residents of the Carrot Valley who were still evacuated along Highway 283 were allowed to return home.

Highway 283 was also reopened to the public, while roadblocks remained in place at Profit Road to allow only residents of the road to enter.

The fire is still out of control but has moved away from the community for the meantime, thanks in large part to the continued service of dedicated emergency responders.

The Westminster United Church will get the Royal Treatment for the upcoming Royal Princess Ball on May 24th.

The event, geared towards young princes and princesses, will showcase local princesses from the Trappers Festival and OID, along with fairy tale favourites and Disney princesses.

The 4th annual event is a fundraiser. Proceeds go to help the Pas and area animal shelters cover the costs of food and vetting.

Tickets cost 25 dollars for adults and 40 dollars for kids. They are limited, so act fast to get yours.

The Pas Health Complex Foundation is preparing for one of their annual fundraisers, the Pledge show that will take place at 102.9 CJAR Next Thursday and Friday.

A local Fundraiser recently took place that brought in more than 27,000 dollars to put towards the local chemotherapy ward.

They ask that you donate to support the health complex locally, knowing that all money stays in town.

This year, funds raised will go towards beds and equipment in the Chemotherapy ward.

Anyone who donates will receive a tax receipt.

The show will run from 8 to 10 am both days. During the event, you can call 623-1240 to donate.

Today kicks off The Pas and Chamber of Commerce's annual trade show and sale at the Roy H. Johnston Arena.

The Chamber sold out booths for what will be a jam-packed event.

This year's show features exciting new events, including the children's business fair, which showcases the entrepreneurial skills of community youth.

The Manitoba Métis Federation will set up its mobile unit in the parking lot to welcome guests.

The Rotary Club of Pas will greet everyone at the door. The cost is $2, and the proceeds go to the Rotary Club to support various fundraisers in the community.

50/50's, Silent auctions, and non-profit groups will be on hand to share information about local organizations and more, and over 50 booths will be set up.

The show opens today from 5 to 8 pm, Friday from Noon to 8 pm, and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.

Residents of the RM of Kelsey who were evacuated due to the WE004 wildfires have been able to return home.

All residents and their properties have been protected, and thanks are going out to local and provincial fire crews that made it happen

.

Yesterday Manitoba wildfire services said that 3 fires remain active, 2 of which were under control and the third near Turk Road which was expected to be under control by day’s end.

As dry conditions persist and the fire ban across the RM of Kelsey and the LUD of Cranberry Portage will remain in effect.

This means no outdoor fires are permitted at any time, no ATV’s or ORV’s are permitted, and no fireworks or sky lanterns are permitted.

Fires outside of The Pas and OCN are nearly 90 percent extinguished, but smoke still looms, and emotions run hot on Bracken Dam Road, where residents were evacuated Sunday evening.

Crews continue to monitor and extinguish the flames that overtook Fisher Island and parts of the OCN, jumping several rivers and inching towards Bracken Dam's residence.

As of Monday, the manmade fire was over 1000 hectares in size, but crews worked tirelessly through Sunday evening to prevent it from jumping Carrot River close to the 283 Highway, five kilometres west of The Pas.

Although the fire is still listed as out of control, the evacuated residences will remain evacuated until that status changes.

A 16-year-old from Creighton, Saskatchewan, was seriously injured in a stabbing that took place in Flin Flon on Callinan Street last Thursday.

Upon investigation RCMP found that the victim and a 17-year-old suspect were known to each other.

The two got into an argument that led to the stabbing.

RCMP are looking for information in regards to this stabbing to contact the detachment at 204-687-1422 or leave a secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com.

On Sunday, April 27^th, RCMP in Thompson got a report of a firearm being discharged on Princeton Drive.

Early in the morning, the victim reported that a taxi had stopped nearby, and 2 men exited and proceeded to shout and chase the victim.

The victim noticed one of the suspects carrying a handgun and began to fire.

The victim was not injured and managed to escape.

Upon reviewing footage from the area, officers were able to confirm that one of the suspects was carrying a firearm, and they were able to identify him, although neither of the suspects has been located yet.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the RCMP in Thomson at 204-677-6909 or leave a secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Mr. Circus is performing a family-friendly show in The Pas this weekend courtesy of the Pas Arts Council.

Mr. Circus said that some of the juggling he performs isn't done by anyone else and is considered a dying or dead art.

Following the show, Mr. Circus will hold a workshop for the children, during which they can try out juggling, spinning plates, hula-hoops, and other showpieces.

The show runs Saturday at 1 pm at the Kelsey school, tickets are 5 dollars at the door.