***Updated Thursday at 10:30 am

More cottagers in the Whiteshell have been told to be prepared for an evacuation as a forest fire rages on.

The fire started around Toniata in the South Whiteshell. According to the Whiteshell Cottagers Association, Manitoba Parks has indicated that an initial attack crew is on site, along with a dedicated helicopter. Water bombers are not scheduled, but will be utilized if the fire ramps up again.

Hunt Lake Trail is expected to close as a precaution due to an active fire in the area.

Park staff are going door to door in West Hawk at High Rock and McKenzie Beach providing the same message as last night in the Star Lake area. That message is for residents to be prepared for an evacuation if conditions change.

 

***Updated Thursday at 8 am

Firefighters continue to battle a blaze near Falcon Lake. The fire is around Toniata in the south Whiteshell.

As of Wednesday at 4:45 pm, the Manitoba Wildfire Service stated that the fire is approximately 30 to 40 hectares in size. At that time the Southeast Whiteshell Fire Department, four wildfire service crews as well as water bombers from Manitoba and Ontario were working the area.

On Thursday at 6:08 am, the Whiteshell Cottagers Association posted that Manitoba Parks noted the evening was busy but that things went well.

The Manitoba Wildfire Service is asking the public to avoid the south Whiteshell, specifically around Toniata at this time. As of Wednesday evening, Manitoba Parks confirmed that no cottages had been lost. Residences along Star Lake have been asked to prepare for evacuation.