Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship, the Office of the Fire Commissioner, the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization and rural municipalities continue to respond to wildfires in southeast Manitoba.
Firefighters held fire lines overnight on three major fires in southeast Manitoba. Shifting winds, high temperatures and low humidity will continue to challenge firefighting efforts. Weather changes could result in local smoke issues.
As people head out to parks and cottages this long weekend, the province advises anyone living, working, camping or travelling in eastern Manitoba to use extreme caution and to avoid starting fires.
Travel Restrictions
Travel restrictions continue in areas of eastern Manitoba. All burning permits already issued have been cancelled. All forest, mining and quarry operations will only be allowed to operate by permit.
Campfires, including those in provincial parks, will only be allowed from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. in approved firepits only.
For information on the travel restrictions, contact local Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship offices or call 1-204-345-1444. A list of local conservation offices is available at www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/wildlife/about/who.html.
Fire Updates
The fire near the community of Badger remains approximately 53 square kilometres in size. At this time, all firefighting efforts to protect the community have been successful. Provincial and municipal officials continue to focus efforts to maintain the strength of the fire lines to protect the community.
Municipal fire crews from eastern Manitoba continue to work on a large fire of approximately 41 sq. km located in the Rural Municipality of Stuartburn. This fire is located south of PTH 201.
Work continues to put out a fire south of Marchand, which remains approximately 11 sq. km in size. No structures are threatened at this time.
No official causes of these fires have been determined at this time, but investigations continue.
Health Information
Manitobans with health questions or concerns can contact their health-care provider or call Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free). More information on the health effects of smoke is available at www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/environmentalhealth/smoke.html.
More information on fire prevention and current fire updates is available at www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire. The latest information on road conditions is available any time toll-free at 511 or at www.mb511.ca. Follow the Manitoba government on Twitter @MBGov or @MBGovRoads for the latest updates.
