Archived News Releases

Fire Update #5

Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship, the Office of the Fire Commissioner, the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization and rural municipalities continue to respond to wildfires in southeast Manitoba.

Firefighters held fire lines overnight on three major fires in southeast Manitoba.  Shifting winds, high temperatures and low humidity will continue to challenge firefighting efforts.  Weather changes could result in local smoke issues.

As people head out to parks and cottages this long weekend, the province advises anyone living, working, camping or travelling in eastern Manitoba to use extreme caution and to avoid starting fires.

Travel Restrictions

• Travel restrictions continue in areas of eastern Manitoba.  All burning permits already issued have been cancelled.  All forest, mining and quarry operations will only be allowed to operate by permit. 
• Campfires, including those in provincial parks, will only be allowed from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. in approved firepits only. 
• For information on the travel restrictions, contact local Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship offices or call 1-204-345-1444.  A list of local conservation offices is available at  www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/wildlife/about/who.html.

Fire Updates

• The fire near the community of Badger remains approximately 53 square kilometres in size.  At this time, all firefighting efforts to protect the community have been successful.  Provincial and municipal officials continue to focus efforts to maintain the strength of the fire lines to protect the community.
• Municipal fire crews from eastern Manitoba continue to work on a large fire of approximately 41 sq. km located in the Rural Municipality of Stuartburn.  This fire is located south of PTH 201. 
• Work continues to put out a fire south of Marchand, which remains approximately 11 sq. km in size.  No structures are threatened at this time. 

No official causes of these fires have been determined at this time, but investigations continue.