March 22, 2012
Fire Situation Worsens in Southeastern Manitoba
The Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC) and Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship are responding to a request from the Rural Municipality of Stuartburn to assist with a new fire that started overnight.
The OFC and Manitoba Conservation fire personnel are assisting municipal fire departments from the Eastman Mutual Aid District (La Broquerie, Vita, Piney and Dominion City) with this latest wildfire.
In addition to staff on the ground, the Manitoba government is assisting with the co-ordination of resources and single-engine air-tanker support has been dispatched to drop fire retardant as part of the suppression effort. Additional resources may be made available if they are required. Monitoring and suppression efforts of peat moss fires in the area will also continue and are a priority for the RM and the province.
No property losses have been reported at this time. An update on the fire situation will be provided as required.
With the unseasonably warm and dry conditions this spring, the OFC and Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship urge members of the public to take steps such as:
- respecting any burning bans that have been implemented in their respective municipalities;
- avoiding any controlled burning if possible but, if required and authorized, taking precautions to ensure fires are controlled at all times;
- being careful with any off-road travel by ATVs or other vehicles and staying on developed trails; and
- reporting any suspicious activity in your area immediately.
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