News Releases

Media Bulletin - Manitoba

May 23, 2018

Fire Bulletin #5



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 on the way this week and Quebec has sent two water bombers with two more expected later today.

Late yesterday afternoon it was determined that vulnerable people from the community of Little Grand Rapids should be evacuated due to heavy smoke from a fire burning north of the community.  That process was initiated and about 60 residents were brought out of the community before heavy smoke made it unsafe for flights to continue.  The remaining residents were brought to a shelter set up in the Little Grand Rapids First Nation school and extensive efforts are being made to help the remaining 800 residents leave the community.  There are reports from the community that some homes have been lost to the fire, but the exact number has not been confirmed at this time.  The fire is now approximately 20,000 hectares (ha) and has moved to within about five kilometres of the neighbouring community of Pauingassi First Nation.  As a result, the Pauingassi First Nation will also be evacuated.

The wildfire program continues to work with local fire departments and the Office of the Fire Commissioner on large fires totalling 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.

Three new fires started yesterday and the total number of fires in Manitoba to date is 166, well above the average of 103 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 (toll-free) at 1-800-782-0076.

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