The Manitoba Wildfire Service continues to respond to 51 active wildfires across the province. While the total of 155 fires to date this year remains below the average of 264 for this date, fire activity is picking up. Dry lightning, or thunderstorms with little to no precipitation is in the forecast over the next couple of days, which may result in additional starts.

Crews from Ontario with 21 personnel continue to assist wildfire operations across the province.

The Manitoba Wildfire Service, the Office of the Fire Commissioner and Emergency Management Organization are working together on a response to fire NO071 east of Marcel Colomb First Nation and NO055 south of God’s Lake Narrows.

Visibility continues to be reduced while travelling along Provincial Road (PR) 391 and possibly PR 280 as a result of wildfires in the areas.

Manitoba Wildfire Service continue to respond to the following fires of note:

  • In the western region, fire WE032, located 23 kilometres (km) east of Pukatawagan is approximately 3,500 hectares (ha) in size. Water bombers and ground crews continue to secure the fire perimeter and hold the fire south of the Churchill River.
  • In the northern region, fire NO038, 60 km northeast of Thompson and 55 km west of Split Lake, is approximately 8,390 ha in size.
  • Fire NO055, 35 km north of Garden Hill, 37 km south of God’s Lake Narrows and 52 km west of Red Sucker Lake, is currently 2,909 ha. Approximately 100 residents of God’s Lake Narrows have been evacuated to Winnipeg due to smoke. Value protection has been set up on values at risk within the vicinity of this fire, including the Bell communication tower for the Island Lake area.
  • Fire NO063, 8 km northeast of Marcel Colomb First Nation, is approximately 167 ha. The fire spread has been towards the north and expected to continue away from the community based on forecasted wind direction.
  • Fire NO071, 4 km east of Marcel Colomb First Nation and 33 km east of Lynn Lake, is approximately 824 ha. Value protection has been set up on 30 structures in and around the community. 180 residents of Marcel Colomb First Nation have been evacuated to Winnipeg due to close proximity of the fire.

Smoke from the wildfires continues to impact communities in the areas of these fires. Area residents are advised to take precautions to protect against harmful smoke inhalation including limiting outdoor activity, staying indoors with windows and doors closed, setting air conditioning units in homes and vehicles to recirculate to avoid drawing smoke indoors and drinking plenty of water.

Provincial burning permits are required for outdoor fires set within the burn permit area from April 1 to Nov. 15 annually. Permits can be acquired at provincial district offices. Provincial burn permits issued under the Wildfires Act may be cancelled or restricted at short notice if fire danger conditions require. The province will not issue burning permits for areas where municipalities have already implemented burning restrictions. To check for municipal burning restrictions, visit gov.mb.ca.

For more information on burn permits, contact a local municipality or the local Manitoba Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources office. Burn permit holders are reminded to check weather conditions, have adequate suppression equipment and ensure proper fuel breaks are in place before burning. Never leave an outdoor fire unattended, always extinguish it before leaving and exercise caution when in or near forested areas.

Manitobans can play a critical role in mitigating wildfire risks around their home and properties by undertaking FireSmart activities. For more information, visit firesmartcanada.ca.

For ongoing updates on wildfires and burn permits in Manitoba, visit gov.mb.ca. To report a wildfire, call 911 or the TIP line (toll-free) at 1-800-782-0076.