August 3, 2011
Ban Introduced on Fires, Provincial Burning Permits in Eastern Region of Manitoba
Manitoba Conservation advises that due to the extremely dry conditions and high forest fire danger in eastern Manitoba (areas 1, 2 and 3), there will be a ban on all fires including all campfires in provincial parks, effective immediately.
According to the provincial Fire Program, the eastern area of the province is very dry and the potential for fires is high. In these conditions, winds can push flames rapidly, igniting large areas of land and spreading to forests.
All burning permits already issued have been cancelled. New burning permits will not be issued. All forest, mining and quarry operations will only be allowed to operate between 8 p.m. until noon the next day.
The eastern region includes the areas from the Manitoba border in the south to Bissett and Hollow Water in the north, and east of La Broquerie, Richer and the Brokenhead Ojibway First Nation and along the eastern edge of Lake Winnipeg to the Ontario border. This includes all Whiteshell provincial parks, the North-West Angle Provincial Forest and Sandilands Provincial Forest.
Anyone living, working, camping or travelling through these areas is advised to use extreme caution and avoid starting any fires.
Further restrictions may be implemented if the fire danger levels continue to increase in this area.
Fires can be reported to Manitoba Conservation by calling toll-free 1-800-782-0076.
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