The Manitoba Wildfire Service advises that, following recent rainfall in eastern Manitoba and with a forecast for cooler weather this weekend and next week, Manitoba is lifting some of the current fire and travel restrictions in southeastern Manitoba.

Restrictions have been lifted in Areas 1 and 2, which are bordered to the west by PR 302 to PTH 12 to PR 317 to PTH 59 and PR 319 east to the Ontario border, and from the U.S. border north to Lake Winnipeg and the Winnipeg River, including the Mars Hill Wildlife Management Area.

While weather conditions will provide a temporary reprieve, there is still a significant risk of wildfire in the southwest area of province. Level 2 restrictions remain in place in Spruce Woods Provincial Park, Spruce Woods Provincial Forest and surrounding Crown land, Criddle/Vane Homestead Provincial Park, Turtle Mountain Provincial Park and William Lake Provincial Park.

Level 2 travel restrictions include the following:

  • motorized backcountry travel, including ATVs and other off-road vehicles, is prohibited unless under the authority of a travel permit;
  • camping is restricted to developed campgrounds;
  • campfires are permitted only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.;
  • wayside parks remain open;
  • landing and launching is restricted to developed shorelines only; and
  • industry and outfitters should contact local Manitoba Conservation and Climate offices for more information.

As a further wildfire prevention measure, provincial burn permits issued under The Wildfires Act within the same areas will be restricted to only essential agricultural, municipal or industrial operations. Burning within these areas will require the approval of an officer and include a site inspection with strict conditions. Contact a Manitoba Conservation and Climate office for more information.

Many municipalities have already proactively implemented burning restrictions this spring, so also check with local municipal offices for more information or view the interactive Current Municipal Burning Restrictions at manitoba.ca. The province will not issue any burning permits within or areas bordering any municipality where the burning restrictions are already in place.

For further information on the fire status, maps, travel restrictions, burning permit cancellations or other restrictions, go to gov.mb.ca.

For areas where ATV use is allowed, riders are reminded they can play a role in protecting against wildfires. Anyone using an ATV is asked to stay on developed trails, ensure the ATV has a working spark arrestor, check areas around the engine and exhaust frequently, and carefully remove and extinguish any debris from these areas. Operators are also reminded to be prepared by carrying a fire extinguisher, axe and shovel.

To report a wildfire, call 911 or the T.I.P. line (toll-free) at 1-800-782-0076.