May 4, 2016
Manitoba Prepares for Annual Wildfire Season
The Wildfire Program of Manitoba Sustainable Development reports weather conditions have increased the risk of grass and wildfires this year.
Prolonged dry and windy conditions increase the fire risk to high until trees green up later this month. Favourable weather conditions such as cooler weather and precipitation in April helped slow the spread of wildfires.
Approximately 90 initial-attack firefighters are ready for duty with additional crews being trained next week.
In Manitoba, two new wildfires were reported yesterday including one near Nelson House and one near Pine Falls. Both were human caused and are under control. The total number of wildfires to date is 28.
The average number for this time of year is 60.
Burning permit cancellations are available on the Wildfire Program website at www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/fire/Restrictions/index.html. Municipal bans may also be in place.
Tips on safely enjoying Manitoba’s wildlands and to help reduce the danger of devastating wildfire losses can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/fire/Prevention/prevention.html.
Alberta has made a request through the Canadian Interagency Fire Fighter Centre (CIFFC) for assistance. That assistance is being provided by jurisdictions with the capacity to help at this time.
CIFFC, located in Winnipeg, is a not-for-profit organization funded by the federal, provincial and territorial governments. CIFFC co-ordinates the movement of wildfire resources such as equipment, personnel and aircraft throughout Canada and internationally, if required. Wildfire agencies request resources through CIFFC and other member wildfire agencies will try to supply resources if possible.
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