May 25, 2018
Fire Bulletin #7
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 120 firefighters and Quebec has sent four water bombers.
Additional personnel and equipment are being deployed to the fire between the Little Grand Rapids First Nation and the Pauingassi First Nation, which covers over 25,000 hectares and is about four kilometres from Pauingassi. Crews are working on protecting homes with sprinklers in the communities of Little Grand Rapids and Pauingassi. Power remains out to the area, but the evacuation of Little Grand Rapids First Nation and Pauingassi First Nation will be complete today.
The wildfire program continues to work with local fire departments and the Office of the Fire Commissioner on fires near the community of Ashern. However, precipitation assisted in suppression activities in the area. There are no immediate concerns to the community and nearby structures. Suppression activities will continue on hot spots around the fires.
Steady rain assisted suppression efforts on fires near the community of the Sapotaweyak Cree Nation, but the community remains evacuated.
Ten new fires started yesterday and the total number of fires in Manitoba to date is 183, well above the 20-year average of 105 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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