Conservation and Water Stewardship reports that dry conditions in western, central and eastern areas of the province have resulted in the cancellation of all burning permits in these regions.
No new burning permits will be issued until significant rainfall occurs in these areas. Anyone in forested areas should be aware of the dry conditions and very cautious when using all terrain vehicles in wild land areas.
Further information on burning permits restrictions is available from local district offices of Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship. Some rural municipalities may also have fire restrictions in place and should be consulted.
The Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner reports up to 30 fire departments, dozens of firefighters and water bombers were involved in battling three wildfires in the last 24 hours. There are no injuries, evacuations or losses of property reported at this time as crews have been successful in containing fires. However, dry, windy conditions today will challenge fire control lines.
The fires are difficult to fight as they cross into a mixture of forested areas, swampland, peat and agricultural land in the areas of:
• Riverside – Souris;
• Dominion City near the United States border; and
• St. Laurent where water bombers supported ground crews.
The cause of these wildfires remains under investigation at this time.
