News Releases

Media Bulletin - Manitoba

May 24, 2018

Fire Bulletin #6



Provincial resources including Manitoba Sustainable Development, Emergency Measures Organization and the Office of the Fire Commissioner continue to work on a number of fires around the province.  Manitobans are reminded there are fire and travel restrictions in place across parts of south, central and western Manitoba.  Warm temperatures and strong winds continue to make firefighting difficult in many areas.  Ontario has provided 80 firefighters with another 40 expected today and Quebec has sent four water bombers.

The fire between the Little Grand Rapids First Nation and the Pauingassi First Nation covers over20,000 hectares (ha) andis now about 4.5 kilometres from Pauingassi.  Crews are working in the community of Little Grand Rapids to protect homes with sprinklers to prevent new fires from starting.  At this time, about one-third of the buildings have protection and crews are working to complete protection of the remaining homes as quickly as possible.  The fire has also knocked out power to the area.  Evacuation of the Little Grand Rapids First Nation and the Pauingassi First Nation continues.

The wildfire program continues to work with local fire departments and the Office of the Fire Commissioner on large fires totaling almost 11,000 ha near the community of Ashern, with ground crews and water bombers.  The community remains on evacuation alert.

Fires near the community of Sapotaweyak Cree Nation are being held, but the community remains evacuated.

Seven new fires started yesterday and the total number of fires in Manitoba to date is 173, well above the 20-year average of 105 for this date.

A list of parks with campfire restrictions can be found at www.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 www.gov.mb.ca/sd/fire/Restrictions/index.html. Local municipalities may also implement burning bans or fire restrictions. Check with local municipal offices or visit www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire/burn_conditions.html for more information.

For further general information on fire status, maps, burning permit cancellations or other restrictions go to www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire/ or follow the Twitter account at www.twitter.com/MBGovNews.

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 at 1-800-782-0076.

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