May 21, 2010
Manitobans Reminded to Take Precautions to Prevent Forest Fires
– – –Berens River Residents to Return to Homes
Manitoba Conservation’s Fire Program reminds all residents to be careful around all outdoor fires while camping, hiking and enjoying summer.
To date this spring, the program has recorded 140 fires, 135 human caused and five caused by lightning.
Wind is pushing forest fire smoke away from Berens River and will continue to do so according to the forecast. Health officials in the community advise that conditions have improved and are now favourable for re-entry. After discussion with band officials, the decision has been made to return evacuees to the community.
The Berens River fire is located approximately 17 kilometres northeast of the Berens River First Nation. Approximately 80 firefighters and one air-tanker group, consisting of two CL-215 water bombers and a spotter or bird-dog aircraft, five helicopters and an incident management team are battling the west flank of the fire closest to the community.
Weather patterns, lightning strikes, soil moisture and forest conditions are monitored daily to determine the probability and location of wildfires. The weather office is forecasting possible thunderstorms later this evening. Fifteen to 20 millimetres (0.6 to 0.8 inches) of rain is forecast for Saturday evening and possibly Sunday evening throughout much of southern Manitoba including east of Lake Winnipeg.
The provincial fleet of seven CL-215 water bombers and six contract helicopters will be available as required along with contract single-engine air tankers.
Open fires are prohibited from April 1 to Nov. 15 annually, unless a burning permit is obtained or fires are in enclosed, approved firepits such as campfire grates in provincial campsites. Fires must be properly put out. To properly extinguish a fire, pour water on the embers and stir to make a soup or stew-like mixture in the enclosed pit.
To report fires, call 1-800-782-0076.
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