News Releases

Media Bulletin - Manitoba

May 15, 2016

Fire Bulletin #13



The Wildfire Program of Manitoba Sustainable Development advises that fire crews continue to make good progress containing the wildfires on the Manitoba/Ontario border.

There are 35 crews and heavy equipment working on the Caddy Lake fire and it is now 65 per cent under control.

At a briefing today, people affected by the fires have been advised the evacuation orders for the area around Caddy Lake, including Ingolf and West Hawk Lake will be lifted, effective 8 a.m., Tuesday, May 17.

Those returning are asked to bring identification and proof of ownership or connection to the property, such as a tax bill or mail directed to the property.

Evacuation orders for Nora and Florence lakes remain in effect at this time.

Travel and burning permit restrictions in eastern, central and western Manitoba have been lifted.  Local municipalities may still implement their own restrictions.  Check local municipal offices for information on municipal bans or restrictions.

PR 312 from one kilometre east of PTH 44 (Big Island turn off) to the Ontario border remains closed. 

The Beresford Lake fire also remains approximately 75,000 hecates and the 22 crews working this fire have brought it to approximately 60 per cent contained in Manitoba.  Sprinkler protection continues on cabins in the area and crews are making good progress with suppression efforts and assistance from Nova Scotia crews.

The mandatory evacuation of the Beresford cottage subdivision in the Nopiming Provincial Park continues.  The Beresford and Wallace lake campgrounds are closed until wildfire conditions improve.

An evacuation order remains in effect for Wallace Lake, which affects 61 cottages and one lodge.  Officials are monitoring conditions at Long Lake closely.

Manitoba Sustainable Development, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the Southeast Whiteshell Fire Department and the Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner continue co-operative suppression efforts on these border area wildfires.

In Whiteshell Provincial Park, the Hunt Lake, Mantario and McGillivray Falls hiking trails remain closed until wildfire conditions improve.

Evacuees, cottagers and area residents can call 204-345-1444 to get up-to-date information about both fires in the eastern region.

In Manitoba, a total of 58 wildfires have been recorded to date. The average for this date is 89.

For further general information on the fire status, maps, travel restrictions, 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 the fires or restrictions in eastern Manitoba, contact the eastern region office at 204-345-1444.  For information on road restrictions in Ontario, call 1-807-548-1919.  Questions about the fire situation in northwestern Ontario can be directed to 1-807-937-7241.

To report a wildfire, call 911 or the T.I.P. line (toll-free) at 1-800-782-0076.  The T.I.P. line is dedicated for reporting fires only.  All other inquiries should be directed to the other phone lines noted above.

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