Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship advises that 119 wildfires have started in the province since June 26, with a high of 39 wildfires starting in one day during that period. Most of these fires were started by lightning. Wildfire crews with the support of water bombers, continue to battle new wildfire starts.
Wildfire crews and equipment continue suppression work on fires at Davidson, Landing, Harding and Highrock lakes, as well as on wildfires east of Lake Winnipeg
Forty-two firefighters from Quebec and 27 firefighters from Wisconsin continue to assist the Manitoba crews with firefighting efforts. Lightning is expected to spark new wildfires throughout the forested areas of the province over the next several days. Hot weather and high winds will also affect wildfires over the next two days.
Smoke from wildfires burning in western Canada will continue to affect areas of Manitoba.
There have been a total of 304 wildfires in the province this season, which is slightly higher than the average of 296. Of these, 59 are still active.
In northwest Manitoba, all burning permits remain cancelled, a fire ban remains in effect and no permits will be issued for fireworks due to dry conditions and the high risk of forest fires. Fires will only be allowed in approved, enclosed pits in provincial parks and other locations between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. daily.
No open burning is allowed without a permit between April 1 and Nov. 15. A number of municipalities may also have implemented fire restrictions. Manitobans are encouraged to check with local municipalities for the most up-to-date information on burning bans or other fire restrictions.
Manitobans should:
- respect any burning bans put in place by their municipality or community,
- be careful with any off-road travel by all-terrain vehicles or other motorized vehicles and stay on developed trails, and
- report any forest or grass fires immediately.
To report a wildfire, contact local emergency services at 911 or the forest fire tip line (toll-free) at 1-800-782-0076. More information on current restrictions and wildfire prevention is available at www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire.
