May 19, 2021
Fire Bulletin #10
The Wildfire Program of Manitoba Conservation and Climate advises that wildfire danger levels remain extremely high across all of southern and central Manitoba, and a number of wildfires are burning across the province. Air-quality warnings have been issued for parts of western and central Manitoba due to smoke.
Manitobans are reminded to avoid wildfire areas, and not to congregate on roadways to watch or take pictures of a fire or firefighting efforts. This practice is extremely dangerous and makes it more difficult for crews to do their job. There is no backcountry travel allowed in the area south of the 53rd parallel at this time, and a number of other fire and travel restrictions remain in effect.
Because of smoke and firefighting efforts, the province has had to close the following highways:
• PTH 20 between Cowan and Camperville;
• PTH 6 between St. Martin Junction and Easterville Junction; and
• PR 307 between Seven Sisters Falls and Otter Falls.
Manitobans are asked to avoid these areas and watch for road closure or detour signs.
Fire Updates
Fire EA042 RM of Grahamdale
The fire is estimated to be 1,100 hectares (ha). This fire is near the Lake St. Martin First Nation and Dauphin River First Nation.
Fire EA044 Homebrook
This fire is now estimated to be 144,000 ha, and more than 80 kilometres long and approximately 16 km wide at its widest point. Important value protection efforts underway to preserve the Manitoba Hydro Bi Pole Lines 1 and 2. Smoke from the fire could affect a number of communities in the area including Grand Rapids, Misapawistik Cree Nation, Homebrook, Skownan First Nation, Waterhen, Mallard and Gypsumville.
Fire WE012 Grand Rapids - Misipawistik Cree Nation
This fire is about five ha and has been contained. However, two structures were lost to the fire but protection efforts under way around multiple other properties. Community evacuation notice given and community making arrangements.
Fire EA033 RM of Piney / Sandilands
The fire is estimated to be 2,000 ha but crews from Manitoba, with assistance from a team from Quebec, continue to make good progress.
Fire EA043 Toniata / Whiteshell Provincial Park
Crews continue to make good progress and no new issues reported.
Fire EA055 Netley Creek / Libau
The local rural municipality fire department and the Manitoba Wildfire Service (MWS) are monitoring the fire. No new issues reported.
Fire EA056 Whitemouth Bog
The fire north of Whitemouth is approximately 3,800 ha. The communities of Seven Sisters Falls and Pinawa will experience smoky conditions. The fire is being actioned by MWS fire crews and water bombers. The Tim Horton’s camp (one employee) has been evacuated as a precaution.
Fire EA059 Caddy Lake
The fire is approximately 3,800 ha. No significant suppression concerns.
Fire WE007 Shilo / Spruce Woods Provincial Park
Rain is helping with the efforts to suppress the fire. A local state of emergency remains in effect in the RM of North Cypress and the Town of Carberry, and the community initiated some precautionary evacuations. There is also potential for smoke to affect Spruce Woods Provincial Park and Swan Lake First Nation. The Spirit Sands Trails in the Carberry desert are closed. Hikers are urged to avoid the area and should not ignore closed trail signs. Suppression effort continues jointly between the Department of National Defence from Shilo, Manitoba Wildfire Service and local authorities. The fire is being held within the Shilo base property and estimated to be 5,600 ha. PTH 5 has been reopened between Carberry and Glenboro.
Fire W013 RM of Mountain North – Bellsite
The fire is about 250 ha and local crews are responding working to protect the communities of Pelican Rapids and Sapatoweyak Cree Nation.
Fire WE011 Cowan
This fire is approximately 1,700 ha near the community of Cowan and has crossed PTH 20, prompting the closure of PTH 20.
Fire WE005 RM of Mountain South – Pulp River
The fire is estimated to be 7,000 ha. Local crews are responding, but the fire is presenting risk to about half a dozen properties and work in underway to protect these properties.
For further information on Manitoba Wildfire Service, situation updates, restrictions and other important wildfire links go to www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire/ or follow the Twitter account at https://twitter.com/mbgovnews.
To report a wildfire, call 911 or the T.I.P. line (toll-free) at 1-800-782-0076.
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