The Manitoba Wildfire Service advises that wildfire danger levels are moderate to high with hot and humid conditions throughout the province. There are currently 45 fires burning in Manitoba with ten new fire starts in the past 24 hours.
Some precipitation has helped conditions in the southern half of the province but the northwest corner of the province is the main area of concern with new fires starting and heavy smoke impeding suppression efforts. Smoke conditions will impact several northern communities and continue to be an issue across northern parts of the province as wind conditions shift.
Air quality statements have been issued for parts of northwestern Manitoba due to smoke. There are no current restriction in place however, Manitobans are reminded to avoid wildfire areas and watch for road closure or detour signs.
Fire WE019 Burntwood Lake
Three fires have joined into one (WE019, WE020 and WE021) west of Burntwood Lake. The fire is approximately 15,000 hectares (ha) in area but is not an immediate threat to any community or properties.
Fire WE025 The Pas
Approximately 40 km south of The Pas, the fire is estimated to be 170 ha and is being held.
Fire WE026 (Mathias Colomb Cree Nation)
Less than a kilometre east of Mathias Colomb Cree Nation (MCCN), the fire is estimated to be 23,000 ha. Due to the vicinity of the wildfire, the community has been evacuated and crews are on the ground in MCCN to assist with the protection of homes and critical structures. Smoke is affecting the ability of water bombers to action the fire, but efforts are continuing.
Fire NO030 (east of MCCN)
Located eight km northeast of Pukatawagan (MCCN), the fire is nearly 3,000 ha and while it is within four km of the hydro line and railway access. It is not considered an immediate threat to the community or any infrastructure at this time.
Fire NO037 South Indian Lake
Fire is 15 km southeast of South Indian Lake and approximately 380 ha in size. Value protection equipment is standing by in the community and can be deployed if the fire becomes a threat.
The Manitoba Wildfire Services reminds Manitobans to be ‘FireSmart’. Walk around your house and remove any large fuel sources within 10 metres that could burn, such as woodpiles, spare lumber, vehicles and boats. For areas where ATV use is allowed, riders are reminded they can play a role in protecting against wildfires. Anyone using an ATV is asked to stay on developed trails, ensure the ATV has a working spark arrestor, check areas around the engine and exhaust frequently, and carefully remove and extinguish any debris from these areas. Operators are also reminded to be prepared by carrying a fire extinguisher, axe and shovel.
Many municipalities have implemented burning restrictions. Check with local municipal offices for more information or view the interactive Current Municipal Burning Restrictions at manitoba.ca. The province will not issue burning permits within or areas bordering any municipality where municipal burning restrictions are already in place.
Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) continues to work with all local authorities and emergency management partners, including the Manitoba Wildfire Service to provide guidance and support for emergency response activities. Manitoba EMO continues to work closely with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the Canadian Red Cross in supporting ISC-led response measures with First Nation communities.
For further information on Manitoba Wildfire Service, situation updates, restrictions and other important wildfire links visit gov.mb.ca. To report a wildfire, call 911 or the T.I.P. line (toll-free) at 1-800-782-0076.
