The provinces forest-fire fleet consisting of seven water bombers is being upgraded with advanced avionics through a $1.4-million investment to improve firefighting capabilities and pilot safety, Conservation Minister Stan Struthers announced.
“Our equipment will be outfitted with enhanced vision systems for pilots to help them battle fires when visibility is low,” said Struthers. “This is key. It will increase our efficiency and make sure our crews are safe while they are getting the job done.”
These upgrades are funded through Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation. They include state-of-the-art navigation, communication, satellite-tracking and enhanced infrared vision systems for pilots flying in low-visibility conditions including dust, rain, smoke and darkness.
Resources for forest firefighting have been strengthened over the past year. Manitoba Conservation has a total of 294 firefighters and six contract helicopters to battle forest fires this year.
This year, as of June 25, Manitoba Conservation’s Fire Program has recorded 115 fires, despite wet and cool conditions earlier this year. Sixty-three of these fires have been caused by humans. A breakdown of fires by region shows:
• northeast: 29;
• northwest: 38;
• west: 17;
• central: 10; and
• east: 21.
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 noted that Manitobans and visitors who are camping, hiking or enjoying the outdoors are urged 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 being reminded that it is their responsibility to protect the environment and protect against wildfires. 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.
