Manitoba Conservation, the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization and the Office of the Fire Commissioner continue to work with several municipalities and departments to tackle fires across eastern Manitoba.
In the RM of Stuartburn, approximately 160 people were evacuated. Sixty people from the Village of Stuartburn have been allowed to return. Approximately 100 people from Lonesand and Caliento north to Zhoda and PTH 12 are still evacuated.
In the RM of La Broquerie, approximately 350 people from the Village of Marchand were evacuated. This evacuation order has now been lifted by the municipality.
In the RM of Piney, approximately 300 to 400 people were evacuated from the Sandilands and Woodridge areas and are still evacuated.
Cooler temperatures and lower winds will help firefighting efforts today. However, caution continues to be advised in all eastern areas of the province.
Cottagers, hikers, residents and other travellers should keep a close eye on local conditions and be prepared to leave quickly if smoke or fire conditions change.
New burning permits will not be issued for eastern Manitoba and any permits that have been issued are now cancelled. Campfires are allowed within enclosed firepits.
Travellers are advised to check for road closures before heading out.
For more information, see www.manitoba.ca/wildfire.
Stuartburn Fire
The fire that began at Caliento in the RM of Stuartburn spread to the RMs of Piney, Reynolds and La Broquerie and Sandilands Provincial Forest in the last 24 hours. It is estimated to be 19,000 hectares in size.
Sprinkler protection has been set up in the Marchand area.
Overnight, unstable wind gusts of up to 90 km/h and low humidity caused the fire to break through control lines and spread north across PTH 12 to PTH 210. Control lines are being re established today.
More than 100 firefighters from 18 different municipal fire departments have been working to fight the fire today. Since it began, more than 160 firefighters from 27 different municipal fire departments have been working to fight the fire.
Four water bombers continue to support firefighting efforts.
Bissett Fire
The fire near Bissett at Long Lake is still 18,000 hectares in size and is approximately 40 km long and six km wide.
Approximately 55 Manitoba firefighters and support staff, as well as six bulldozers, two skidders and seven helicopters are being used to fight this fire.
Eight firefighters arrived from Ontario yesterday and 21 firefighters from British Columbia will arrive today to help fight this fire.
Other Fires
There were eight new fire starts in the eastern region yesterday. All are being addressed.
The fire at Peguis First Nation has been addressed.
A fire in northern Minnesota remains under control.
Highway Closures
Several highways have been closed due to fire including:
• The eastbound Trans-Canada Highway, which is down to one lane three km east of PTH 11 for a distance of one km;
• PR 304 east of Bissett and west of Wallace Lake;
• PTH 12 for 17.5 km south of PR 302;
• PR 201 east of PTH 59;
• PR 404 from PTH 12 to PR 210; and
• PTH 19 at Riding Mountain National Park.
The most up-to-date highway information is at www.gov.mb.ca/mit/roadinfo or 1-877-MBRoads (1 877-627-6237) and on Twitter by following @MBGov.
Weather
Weather conditions have improved today with a westerly flow of air that has brought lower temperatures, higher humidity and stable westerly winds.
Winds are expected to die down in the eastern parts of the province this afternoon. Winds in the northern, western and central regions will remain steady.
Smoke Conditions
Smoke levels from fires may vary considerably due to fire conditions and wind directions. Exposure to smoke can cause sore eyes, tears, cough and a runny nose.
If the smoke lasts days to weeks or is very heavy, it can cause lung problems and a longer-lasting cough. Exposure to smoke can also make heart and lung conditions worse.
People who are at higher risk such as young children, the elderly and people with heart or lung conditions should consider taking precautions when smoke conditions are light to moderate. This is usually indicated by a smoke odour and haziness or visibility that is less than eight km.
Manitobans with questions or concerns can contact their health care provider or call Health Links-Info-Santé at 788-8200 or toll free at 1-888-315-9257.
For more information on the health effects of smoke, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/environmentalhealth/smoke.html.
