July 2, 2010
Province Advises Forest-fire Fighting Efforts in the North Progressing Well
Manitoba Conservation advises the fire near Cranberry Portage experienced high temperatures (30 C), low humidity and high winds yesterday.
This caused some flare-ups on this fire yesterday. Fire crews managed to contain these flare-ups with the use of helicopter water bucketing and water bombers. Crews continue to make good progress with the construction of fire lines around this fire. Work to protect camps, cottages and cabins in the area continues, with the assistance of the Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner.
All evacuation alerts have been cancelled. The Bakers Narrows campground reopens today and the campgrounds in Grass River Provincial Park reopened yesterday.
The road between Cranberry Portage and Sherridon is still open for local traffic only. The latest information on road conditions is available at www.manitoba.ca or toll-free at 1-877-MBROADS (1-877-627-6237).
There were seven new fires reported in the north yesterday. They are all under control. The forecast is calling for light scattered showers in the north, with some lightning expected.
There are 440 firefighters, 13 helicopters, 13 water bombers and other heavy equipment continuing to fight this fire. Manitoba’s efforts are being greatly assisted by water bombers, support aircraft and fire crews from Ontario, B.C., Minnesota and Wisconsin.
The latest information on forest fires, restrictions and the status of provincial campgrounds is available at www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/fire or local district Manitoba Conservation offices.
Travel restrictions and a ban on all open fires continues in the Cranberry Portage, Flin Flon, The Pas and Thompson areas and all the way to the northern edge of the province, due to the high fire hazard.
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