Manitoba Sustainable Development continues to work on a number of fires around the province, and reminds all Manitobans there are fire and travel restrictions in place across parts of south, central and western Manitoba. Warm temperatures and strong winds made firefighting difficult in many areas over the weekend, but Ontario is supporting the effort with 80 firefighters and two water bombers from Quebec are also providing assistance.

The wildfire program is working with local fire departments and the Office of the Fire Commissioner on large fires totaling almost 10,000 hectares near the community of Ashern with ground crews and water bombers. Ashern remains on evacuation alert, with one of the fires burning approximately 6.5 kilometres from the town and covering 8,700 hectares (ha). The Jackhead First Nation has lifted the evacuation order for its residents and community members who left last night are being told it is safe to return home.

The evacuation order for the Sapotaweyak Cree Nation remains in place. Fires near the community are currently being held and sprinklers are being set up in the community to protect homes. Another significant fire is burning near the community of Little Grand Rapids. This fire is east of the community and covers approximately 7,000 ha.

Eleven new fires started this past Monday and the total number of fires to date is 163, well above the average of 100 for this time of year.

A list of parks with campfire restrictions can be found at manitobaparks.com. Visitors to provincial parks should check with park staff for the most up-to-date information.

A map of the areas affected and a detailed description of the provincial fire and travel restrictions can be found at gov.mb.ca. Local municipalities may also implement burning bans or fire restrictions. Check with local municipal offices or visit gov.mb.ca for more information.

For further general information on fire status, maps, burning permit cancellations or other restrictions go to gov.mb.ca. For additional information on these restrictions, contact the nearest Manitoba Sustainable Development office. To report a wildfire, call 911 or the T.I.P. line (toll-free) at 1-800-782-0076.