News Releases

Media Bulletin - Manitoba

May 30, 2018

Fire Bulletin #11



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.  Ontario has provided 120 firefighters and two water bombers from Quebec are still assisting provincial efforts. 

Fire crews continue to work on the fire between the Little Grand Rapids First Nation and the Pauingassi First Nation, which covers over25,000 hectares andis about four kilometres from Pauingassi.  Some light rain has fallen on the area, which has helped the efforts but the fire is still not under control.  Crews have completed the work of setting up sprinklers to protect homes at both the Little Grand Rapids First Nation and the Pauingassi First Nation.  Power remains out to the area and the evacuation order remains in effect for both communities. Community visits by Chief and Council, with input from the Office of the Fire Commissioner, and Indigenous Services Canada have confirmed that three houses, one garage and four dump trucks have suffered extensive damage in the fire. Indigenous Services Canada will work with the First Nations and other partners, including Manitoba Hydro, to fully assess damages once the evacuation order is lifted. A detailed recovery plan and timeline will be developed with the First Nation once this assessment has been completed. 

The fires near the community of Ashern are considered under control, with crews remaining in the area to monitor and address a few hot spots.  Recent rain and high humidity assisted suppression efforts on fires near the community of Sapotaweyak Cree Nation, but the community remains evacuated. 

Nine new fires started yesterday and the total number of fires in Manitoba to date is 200, well above the 20-year average of 117 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.htmlfor 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 (toll-free) at 1-800-782-0076. 

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