The Manitoba Wildfire Service (MWS) reports large pockets of very high to extreme fire danger throughout the province. The MWS reminds all Manitobans that human activity continues to contribute negatively and significantly to Manitoba’s current wildfire situation and to adhere to the fire and travel restrictions for their area.
Restrictions in areas 1, 2 and 3 continue at Level 3, Area 5 at Level 2 and Area 8 at Level 1 while remaining areas continue under a total burn restriction, which means no burning or campfires even in approved pits. Refer to the areas and further details of the fire and travel restriction map found at gov.mb.ca.
The Manitoba Wildfire Service (MWS) continues to respond to 18 active wildfires across the province, a total of 96 wildfires to date, well above the average for this date of 77 total fires. Fires of note include:
East region:
- Fire EA061, located one kilometre (km) from Bird River, is approximately 124,238 ha and remains out of control. Provincial Road (PR) 315 is closed and blocked at Poplar Bay Road in the Bird River area, with no travel beyond that to Bird River and onwards up to PR 314 and Bissett.
- Fire EA062, located six km from Lac du Bonnet at approximately 4,008 ha is under control.
- Fire EA063, located on the Ontario border near Ingolf, is out of control at approximately 3,770 ha on the Manitoba side of the border and approximately 31,276 ha in total size. This fire originated in Ontario and is also numbered as KEN#020.
West region:
- Fire WE015, located eight km from Cranberry Portage in the Rural Municipality of Kelsey, is being held at approximately 40 ha.
- Fire WE017, located 14 km from Sherridon, is approximately 40,000 ha and out of control. Sherridon declared a state of local emergency and has been evacuated.
North region:
- Fire NO002, located six km from the town of Lynn Lake, is out of control at approximately 7,064 ha. The Town of Lynn Lake has declared a state of emergency and is evacuating.
- Fire NO006, located five km from Cross Lake, is approximately 1,500 ha and out of control. The community of Cross Lake has declared a state of local emergency.
- Fire NO007, located two km from Wabowden, is approximately 37 ha and out of control. Wabowden has declared a state of local emergency.
There are a number of emerging fires at the time of this bulletin in areas such as Easterville/Chemawawin, Wanless and Flin Flon. These fires are being assessed and monitored. More details will be provided tomorrow.
The province can confirm a firefighter was severely injured during the course of their firefighting duties on Sunday, May 25. The firefighter has been hospitalized. This underscores the danger of the situation, and the province thanks all emergency responders for the brave work they are doing every day.
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.
For Manitobans planning to fish or boat, please make sure to move off waterways if there is a water bomber in the vicinity, as not doing so could cause delays in crucial firefighting efforts.
Many municipalities have proactively implemented burning restrictions this spring, so check with the local municipal office or view the interactive burning restrictions map at manitoba.ca for more information. No burning permits will be issued for areas within or bordering any municipality where burning restrictions are already in place.
Evacuees who need help connecting with their local authorities can contact Manitoba 211 for assistance by calling 211 from anywhere in Manitoba. For more information, visit mb.211.ca.
For further information on the Manitoba Wildfire Service, situation updates, restrictions and other important wildfire links, visit gov.mb.ca. To report a wildfire, call 911 or the TIP line toll-free at 1-800-782-0076.
