Wildfire Prevention, Preparedness, and Response at Lynn Lake
The 2025 wildfire season was exceptionally difficult for northern Manitoba, resulting in property loss, environmental damage, and the prolonged evacuation of residents from their homes. In response, and as part of our ongoing commitment to safety, Alamos has strengthened its wildfire prevention, monitoring, and emergency response measures at the Lynn Lake Project.
Alamos is committed to proactive wildfire prevention, detection, and response. Our wildfire risk management approach is grounded in proactive prevention, continuous monitoring, early detection, thorough risk assessment, and emergency response preparedness.
Over the past year, we have implemented a comprehensive set of measures focused on minimizing on-site wildfire risk and improving site resilience—particularly during periods of elevated fire danger. These measures include enhanced emergency response capability, increased monitoring and detection systems, stricter operational controls, workforce training, and vegetation management.
Emergency Response and Preparedness
A fully staffed and trained voluntary Emergency Response Team (ERT) has been put in place and prepared to activate the Wildfire Response Procedure as conditions require. Activation decisions are based on on‑site assessments, threat levels, and prevailing conditions to ensure a timely and effective response.
Monitoring, Early Detection, and Risk Awareness
During wildfire season, continuous monitoring and early detection measures are implemented to support rapid decision‑making and response readiness. These include:
- Lightning Detection: Fixed on‑site lightning detection systems are monitored throughout the wildfire season. Regional lightning activity is also tracked using provincial reporting tools and LightningMaps.org. After significant lightning events, targeted inspections—including drone surveys and ground patrols—will be carried out to identify potential ignitions or delayed “holdover” fires.
- Fire Danger Ratings and Active Fire Reporting: Daily fire danger ratings, active wildfire reports, and advisories from the Manitoba Wildfire Service are reviewed and communicated to site leadership. Elevated fire danger levels trigger additional monitoring or operational restrictions.
- Fire Danger Signage: The current fire danger rating (Low, Moderate, High, Very High, or Extreme) is clearly posted at designated locations across the site and updated as conditions change to maintain awareness and compliance.
- Weather Monitoring: On‑site and regional weather conditions—including wind speed and direction, relative humidity, air quality (PM2.5), and temperature—are closely monitored. Worsening conditions require an escalation in preparedness levels.
- Drone Surveillance: Drones will be deployed for aerial inspections and reconnaissance, particularly during high to extreme fire danger conditions.
- Thermal Imaging: Thermal and infrared imaging will be used during inspections, drone operations, lightning follow‑ups, hot work activities, and mop‑up efforts to identify heat sources or ensure fires are fully extinguished.
- High‑Risk Area Patrols: Increased on-site ground patrols will be conducted during elevated fire danger periods, focusing on vegetation‑dense areas, infrastructure corridors, and fuel storage areas.
Fire Watch and Operational Controls
All outdoor hot work activities involving potential ignition sources are subject to dedicated fire watch requirements during wildfire season. Trained personnel monitor these activities to quickly detect and suppress any sparks or heat sources that could lead to ignition, especially during periods of elevated fire danger.
Vegetation Management and FireSmart Practices
Vegetation management and the maintenance of defensible space are key components of our wildfire prevention strategy. These measures, aligned with FireSmart principles, are designed to reduce fuel loading, limit fire spread, and protect critical infrastructure. Fire control measures are regularly maintained and reviewed.
Training, Exercises, and Seasonal Readiness
Ongoing training and preparedness activities help ensure the effectiveness of our wildfire prevention and response program. These include:
- Structured wildfire response training for ERT members, covering fire behavior, safety, equipment use, structure protection, communications, and site‑specific tactics.
- Annual wildfire preparedness training for employees, contractors, and ERT members prior to each wildfire season.
- Tabletop exercises with site leadership and key stakeholders to review decision‑making processes, roles, and escalation protocols.
- Practical drills to test equipment deployment, communications, muster procedures, and evacuation readiness.
- Pre‑season inspections and verification of wildfire response equipment readiness.
- Review and confirmation of emergency contact information.
- Ongoing certification and competency checks for drone operators, thermal imaging personnel, and equipment operators.
- Seasonal reviews of fire danger thresholds and related operational restrictions.
- Documentation of all training, exercises, and drills.
- Development and maintenance of a camp evacuation plan aligned with the site Emergency Response Plan.
- A formal pre‑season readiness review to ensure prevention, monitoring, and response measures are fully in place.
Wildfire Response Levels and Escalation
Alamos uses a structured four‑stage wildfire response framework, consisting of an Alert and Levels 1 through 3. This system guides decision‑making, operational controls, resource deployment, communication, and, if necessary, evacuation. Escalation or de‑escalation between levels may occur quickly based on changing weather, fire behavior, or direction from Manitoba Wildfire Services.
Together, these measures reflect our commitment to continuous improvement and to reducing the risk of future wildfire incidents while protecting employees, neighbouring communities, and the surrounding environment.