The Manitoba Wildfire Service advises that due to continued dry conditions, strong winds and predicted warming weather, burning permit restrictions are being expanded across southeastern Manitoba, effective Sunday, May 9.
Restrictions remain in place for Areas 6 and 7, which include Spruce Woods Provincial Park, Spruce Woods Provincial Forest and surrounding Crown land, as well as the Criddle/Vane Homestead, Turtle Mountain and William Lake Provincial Parks. Campfires will still be allowed in approved fire pits in provincial campgrounds, but restrictions are being expanded to include Areas 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8.
This area is bordered by PR 302 to PTH 12 to PR 317 to PTH 59 & PR 319 on the west, all the way to the Ontario border, and from the U.S. border north to the Dauphin River and Berens River. In southwestern Manitoba, restrictions are being added to Area 8, from PTH 10 and PR 268 on the west, north to Lake Winnipegosis to PR 327 to the south shore of Cedar Lake and north shore of Lake Winnipeg and Lake Winnipeg on the east, and south to PR 271 to Lake Winnipegosis (south shore) to Lake Manitoba (north shore) to Lake St. Martin/Dauphin River and Dauphin River to Berens River.
A map of these restrictions can be found at gov.mb.ca.
Many municipalities have already proactively implemented burning restrictions this spring, so individuals should check with local municipal offices for more information or view the interactive map of current municipal burning restrictions at manitoba.ca. The province will not issue any burning permits within or in areas bordering any municipality where burning restrictions are already in place.
For further information on the fire status, maps, travel restrictions, burning permit cancellations or other restrictions go to gov.mb.ca.
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.
To report a wildfire, call 911 or the T.I.P. line (toll-free) at 1-800-782-0076.
