Manitoba Hydro is working to restore power to areas affected by wildfires in eastern Manitoba.
The utility was able to re-energize about 900 customers along the Lee River late yesterday, and about 500 remained without power this morning in a number of other areas in the wildfire zone.
Manitoba Hydro crews are now able to safely access some areas with significant fire damage, including burnt and fallen poles, power lines, transformers and other equipment.
Construction crews staged in Lac du Bonnet Wednesday night and were able to begin work on Wendigo Road as soon as it became accessible today.
The extent of damage is still being assessed and may require complex repairs, so it’s too soon to provide estimated times of restoration.
The Manitoba Hydro generating stations at Pointe du Bois and Slave Falls were evacuated late yesterday as planned, as wildfires threatened to cut off road access to the facilities. The facilities are in a safe state with the generating units shut down and water passing through the spillways. The loss of generating capacity will have no impact on customers.
Manitoba Hydro is monitoring the still-developing wildfire situation, patrolling lines by air to inspect for damage.
For more information, please contact:
Peter Chura, Media Relations Officer
431-323-4511
pchura@hydro.mb.ca
