The Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship Fire Program and the Office of the Fire Commissioner advise that warming temperatures and dry conditions have increased the fire risk in some areas of the province. Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship initial-attack wildfire crews have responded to a total of nine fires in the eastern and northwest regions of the province.
Although parts of the province may still have flooding, wet land, snow cover and frozen lakes, warmer weather will continue to increase the potential for fires.
Open fires are prohibited from April 1 to Nov. 15 annually, except under a burning permit or in enclosed, approved firepits such as campfire grates in provincial campsites. In addition, some municipalities, including Stuartburn, Tache, and Springfield, have implemented additional burning restrictions.
People are advised to check with their local Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship district offices and local municipalities for information on burning bans or other fire restrictions. A list of local Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship offices is available online.
Manitobans should:
- respect any burning bans that have been implemented in their respective municipalities;
- avoid any controlled burning if possible but, if required and authorized with permits, take precautions to ensure fires are controlled at all times;
- be careful with any off-road travel by all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) or other motorized vehicles and stay on developed trails; and
- report any forest or grass-fire activity immediately.
ATV users are reminded that they can play a role in protecting against wildfires. Anyone using an ATV is asked to use spark arrestors, check areas around the engine and exhaust frequently, and carefully remove and extinguish any debris. Operators are also reminded to be prepared by carrying a fire extinguisher, small axe and shovel.
Reports of smoke or fires can be made to the forest fire tip line at 1-800-782-0076 (toll-free). More information on fire prevention is available at www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire.
