With a hot and dry forecast this weekend, the Manitoba Wildfire Service is advising that the fire danger level in the province is currently high to very high. The Manitoba Wildfire Service encourages Manitobans to enjoy the weekend safely and with fire prevention in mind.

Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization reports that smoke and fire activity from nine small wildfires, covering approximately 10 hectares (ha) in the Rural Municipality of Kelsey between Cranberry Portage and Wanless, resulted in the temporary closure of Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 10 on Thursday, May 28 from approximately 5pm to 7:45pm.

The Hudson Bay Railway, which runs parallel to PTH 10, had a train in the area with 58 passengers from Mathias Colomb Cree Nation. Train travel was disrupted and passengers were offered hotel rooms for the night and alternate transportation home.

Campfires are now restricted in Stephenfield Provincial Park, with no burning permitted between 8am and 8pm. This restriction is in place due to a heavy accumulation of poplar seeds around campsites that may ignite from sparks during hot, dry periods. For updates on restrictions in provincial parks, visit www.manitobaparks.com.

Fires of Note

  • The Manitoba Wildfire Service is responding to 18 active wildfires across the province, with a total of 33 wildfires to date, below the average of 82 fires for this date.
  • Fire WE003, located one kilometre (km) from Easterville, is approximately 400 ha. Ground crews and heavy equipment are making progress and the fire is being held.
  • Fire WE006, located 20 km from Cranberry Portage, is approximately 10 ha and is out of control.
  • Fire EA017, located in Whiteshell Provincial Park, is approximately eight ha and is being held.

General Wildfire Information

Human activity is a significant contributing factor to wildfires in the province, but all Manitobans can do their part to help prevent wildfires. This includes:

  • Keep all campfires in approved pits such as those found in provincial park campsites and check with the campground office for any campfire restrictions.
  • Never leave a campfire unattended and always fully extinguish fires by drowning ashes and embers with water before leaving. This includes safely disposing of ashes from wood stoves and charcoal briquettes.
  • Do not burn if it is windy, as wind can blow embers and ash.
  • If operating an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), use only designated trails in provincial parks and regularly check for debris in areas around the engine and exhaust system, disposing of any materials safely.
  • Prevent sparks by checking and maintaining all equipment, including vehicle tires, trailers and off-road vehicles, and any other equipment traveling along roadways. Also check safety chains on trailers and make sure they are well off the ground before driving.
  • Be prepared to safely extinguish small fires by carrying a fire extinguisher, axe and shovel when travelling in the backcountry.

For more information, visit firesmartcanada.ca.