The Wildfire Program of Manitoba Conservation and Climate advises that wildfire danger levels remain extremely high across all of southern and central Manitoba, and a number of wildfires are burning across the province. Air-quality warnings have been issued for parts of western and central Manitoba due to smoke.

Manitobans are reminded to avoid wildfire areas, and not to congregate on roadways to watch or take pictures of a fire or firefighting efforts. This practice is extremely dangerous and makes it more difficult for crews to do their job. There is no backcountry travel allowed in the area south of the 53rd parallel at this time, and a number of other fire and travel restrictions remain in effect.

Because of smoke and firefighting efforts, the province has had to close the following highways:

  • PTH 5 between Carberry and Glenboro;
  • PTH 6 between St. Martin Junction and Easterville Junction; and
  • PR 307 between Seven Sisters Falls and Otter Falls.

Manitobans are asked to avoid these areas and watch for road closure or detour signs.

Fire Updates

Fire EA042 RM of Grahamdale

Strong winds have pushed two fires in the RM of Grahamdale together into one fire estimated to be 1,100 hectares (ha). This fire is near the Lake St. Martin First Nation and Dauphin River First Nation.

Fire EA044 Homebrook

A perimeter had been established, but the fire pushed past the perimeter in two spots and with current hot, windy conditions, there are significant concerns about the fire expanding today. Ground crews have regrouped to a safer position and will be taking further action on this fire today. A road construction camp in the area has been evacuated and there is potential for evacuation of Homebrook and the communities of Skownan First Nation, Waterhen, Mallard and Gypsumville may be impacted by smoke. Fire now estimated to be 60,000 to 70,000 ha.

Fire EA033 RM of Piney / Sandilands

Crews from Manitoba, with assistance from a team from Quebec, continue to make good progress. The fire is estimated to be 2,000 ha.

Fire EA043 Toniata / Whiteshell Provincial Park

Crews continue to make good progress and no new issues reported.

Fire EA055 Netley Creek / Libau

The local rural municipality fire department and the Manitoba Wildfire Service (MWS) are monitoring the fire. Taking action on this fire is difficult due to the terrain, but there are no properties at risk at this time.

Whitemouth

The fire north of Whitemouth is approximately 3,800 ha. The communities of Seven Sisters Falls and Pinawa will experience smoky conditions. The fire is being actioned by MWS fire crews and water bombers.

Fire WE007 Shilo / Spruce Woods Provincial Park

A local state of emergency has been declared by RM of North Cypress and the Town of Carberry, and the community has initiated some precautionary evacuations. There are also potential impacts to the Spruce Woods Provincial Park and Swan Lake First Nation. The Spirit Sands Trails in the Carberry desert are closed. Hikers are urged to avoid the area and should not ignore closed trail signs. Suppression effort continues jointly between the Department of National Defence from Shilo, Manitoba Wildfire Service and local authorities. The fire is estimated to be 3,600 ha.

For further information on Manitoba Wildfire Service, situation updates, restrictions and other important wildfire links go to gov.mb.ca.

To report a wildfire, call 911 or the T.I.P. line (toll-free) at 1-800-782-0076.