The Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship Fire Program and the Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC) advise that dry conditions and warmer weather have increased the fire risk in some areas of the province. However, precipitation in the forecast is expected to reduce the risk of fires in the days ahead.
The province has responded to 21 fires to date in 2013. All are considered under control. The long-term average for this time of year is 95. In addition, the province provided resources to help the City of Winnipeg address a grass fire yesterday. Water bombers stationed at Gimli arrived at the fire in Winnipeg approximately 40 minutes after a request was made by the Office of the Fire Commissioner.
Open fires are prohibited from April 1 to Nov. 15 annually, except under a burning permit or in enclosed approved firepits such as grated campfire pits in provincial campsites. No burning restrictions are in place in provincial parks at this time.
Some municipalities and communities, however, have implemented burning restrictions. Municipalities that have advised the province of burning restrictions include the rural municipalities of Edward, Hanover, La Broquerie, Taché, Franklin, Stuartburn, Piney, De Salaberry, Richot, Cornwallis, Springfield, St. Clements, East St. Paul, Eriksdale, Fisher, Coldwell, Pipestone, Whitehead, Shell River, Shellmouth-Boulton, St. Laurent, Woodlands, Mountain, Victoria, South Cypress, Russell and Silver Creek.
In addition, the communities of Binscarth, Ste. Anne, Pinawa, Poplarfield, Mafeking, Birch River and Minitonas have advised the province of burning restrictions.
The Fire Program and the OFC emphasize that people check with their 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;
- 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 vehicle (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 must 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.
For more information, contact your local Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship office. A list of offices is available online.
Reports of smoke or fires can be made to 911 or 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.
