Canada Day long weekend is here and Conservation Minister Bill Blaikie reminds Manitobans to practise safety when enjoying camp fires this weekend and throughout the summer.
“Despite flood waters in many areas of the province, there are many other areas that are under threat from forest fires and that’s why we all need to do our part and enjoy the outdoors and our campfires responsibly,” said Blaikie.
To assist and enhance Manitoba’s forest-fire fight, the first of four new Bombardier CL 415 water bombers was put into action this spring by Manitoba Conservation. The speed and efficiency of the new aircraft will greatly assist firefighters in reducing the spread of wildfires, the minister noted. The second new water bomber will arrive this fall.
“Manitoba currently utilizes seven water bombers and six contract helicopters for its normal day-to-day wildfire fighting operations,” said Blaikie. “Northern Manitoba has especially seen dry conditions this spring and extremely low water levels in some areas of the far north.”
Resources for forest firefighting have been strengthened over the past five years and the province will continue to enhance its resources over the next few years with additional CL415 water bomber aircraft, the minister said. Manitoba Conservation utilizes 195 initial attack firefighters and an additional 100 fire rangers to combat fires throughout the province.
This year, as of June 28, Manitoba Conservation’s Fire Program has recorded 87 fires, despite wet and cool conditions this year. Seventy of these fires have been caused by humans. A breakdown of fires by region shows:
• northeast: 54;
• northwest: 11;
• west: three;
• central: four; and
• east: 15
Weather patterns, lightning strikes, soil moisture and forest conditions are monitored daily by Manitoba Conservation’s Fire Program to determine the probability and location of wildfires. The minister urged Manitobans and visitors who are camping, hiking or enjoying the outdoors to be safe and careful with fire.
Open fires are prohibited from April 1 to Nov. 15 unless a burning permit is obtained or if fires are enclosed in approved fire pits such as campfire grates in provincial campsites. Fires must be properly put out. To properly extinguish a fire, water should be poured on the embers and stirred in the enclosed pit.
All-terrain vehicle (ATV) users are also being reminded that it is their responsibility to protect the environment and protect against wildfires, Blaikie said. The province is also reminding the public of a new policy requiring a permit for any organization or person wanting to use Crown land to hold an ATV event such as a derby or rally. This also applies to land in a provincial forest. Penalties under the Crown Lands Act can be up to $10,000.
