While the wildfires in Nopiming and Whiteshell provincial parks remain out of control, Manitoba Parks advises more progress has been made, allowing for an additional area in the northern Whiteshell to reopen.
Permanent residents, cottagers, commercial operators and daytime visitors are permitted to return to the Pointe du Bois area as of 9 a.m. on Sunday, May 25. This includes Provincial Road (PR) 313.
The province advises there remains a significant wildfire threat in eastern Manitoba and all returning residents must be prepared to evacuate with little notice. It is recommended that all residents prepare an emergency go kit. More information on emergency preparedness, including what to include in an emergency go kit, is available at gov.mb.ca.
Park closures and evacuations are a protective measure to safeguard lives and reduce harm when a wildfire poses a significant threat. Any opportunities to reopen provincial parks will depend on daily analysis of fire behaviour, suppression efforts, environmental and weather conditions, expert judgement and real-time conditions.
Manitoba Parks is continuously working with the Manitoba Wildfire Service to evaluate wildfires impacting Whiteshell, Nopiming, Wallace Lake, South Atikaki, Manigotagan River, Pinawa Dam and Whitemouth Provincial Parks. The wildfires in eastern Manitoba are large and complex. Both fire E061 in the Nopiming area and fire E063 in the Whiteshell are expected to remain active. Weather forecasts are not favourable with warm, dry conditions and no rain in the week ahead.
The state of local emergency for Nopiming, Wallace Lake, South Atikaki and Manigotagan River provincial parks remains in place and these parks remain closed to the public including cottage subdivisions, commercial areas, campgrounds, group use, day use and all recreational areas including trails, beaches, backcountry canoe routes and campsites.
The state of local emergency for Whiteshell Provincial Park remains in place. Most areas of the Whiteshell Provincial Park remain closed. Visit manitobaparks.com for details.
Campgrounds in Whiteshell Provincial Park remain closed, in part to limit traffic volumes of overnight guests in this park in case additional evacuations must occur. In addition, staff operating campgrounds are now supporting fire response efforts. The closure includes all seasonal and nightly campsites. Campsite reservations are cancelled for all campgrounds in Whiteshell Provincial Park up to and including May 29. This closure may be extended, depending on how the situation evolves. The Parks Reservation Service is contacting affected campers by email.
All hiking trails and water routes in the Whiteshell Provincial Park remain closed and backcountry travel is prohibited.
A full fire ban is currently in place at all provincial parks across Manitoba. No fires of any kind, at any time of day, are permitted until further notice. This includes campfires in approved firepits. The use of charcoal briquettes is prohibited. Gas appliances, such as propane barbeques and stoves, can be used. Fireworks and sky lanterns are prohibited in Manitoba provincial parks.
Manitoba Parks recognizes many Manitobans are eager to return to the parks that remain closed, but public safety remains the top priority. Restrictions and closures remain in place for everyone’s safety and allows fire crews and emergency responders space to do their work. Manitoba Parks asks for everyone’s patience and co-operation as this situation continues to unfold.
Manitobans travelling to any provincial parks are reminded to check and monitor conditions before visiting. Details on park closures, fire restrictions and other updates are available at manitobaparks.com.
