The Manitoba Wildfire Service advises that due to continued dry conditions and predicted warming weather, burning permit restrictions are being implemented immediately in southwest Manitoba.

Campfires will still be allowed in approved fire pits in provincial campgrounds, but restrictions are in place for all other parts of Areas 6 and 7, which include Spruce Woods Provincial Park, Spruce Woods Provincial Forest and surrounding Crown land as well as the Criddle/Vane Homestead, Turtle Mountain and William Lake provincial parks.

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. The T.I.P. line is dedicated for reporting fires.