News Releases

May 20, 2021

Recent cool, wet weather is helping to reduce the fire risk in parts of Manitoba while the risk remains high to extreme in other areas. Rain in some areas means the province is able to lift, or reduce certain restrictions. If additional rain arrives, more restrictions may be lifted and further updates will be provided. Manitobans are reminded to continue to act with great caution when outdoors. Human-caused fires are preventable, and put people and communities unnecessarily at risk.

Backcountry travel bans remain in place, though the restrictions for campfires in approved fire pits have been lifted to allow fires between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. in Areas 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7. Campfires are not allowed at any time in Areas 5, 8 and 9.

Refer to the province’s Fire and Travel Restrictions map and confirm area restrictions before heading outdoors at www.gov.mb.ca/sd/fire/Restrictions/index.html.

Level 2 travel restrictions include the following:
• motorized backcountry travel, including with ATVs and other off-road vehicles, is prohibited unless under the authority of a travel permit;
• camping is restricted to developed campgrounds; 
• wayside parks remain open;
• landing and launching is restricted to developed shorelines only; and
• industry and outfitters should contact local Manitoba Conservation and Climate offices for more information.

Additional restrictions are in place in all provincial parks south of the 53rd parallel:
• all trails and water routes remain closed;
• campfires are now permitted from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. in approved fire pits only at eastern region provincial parks (including Whiteshell, Nopiming, Moose Lake, St. Malo), as well as at Birds Hill, Grand Beach, Spruce Woods and Turtle Mountain provincial parks; and
• no campfires are permitted at any time in all other provincial parks south of the 53rd parallel and CSA-approved gas appliances are permitted.

Scattered rainfall is expected to continue to improve conditions in some areas over the long weekend. Restrictions will be reviewed daily and updates for provincial parks, including trail closures, are posted at www.manitobaparks.com.

The province has also cancelled and restricted provincial burning permits for Areas 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. Many municipalities have proactively implemented burning restrictions this spring, so check with municipal offices for more information or view the interactive Current Municipal Burning Restrictions map at www.manitoba.ca/wildfire/burn_conditions.html. Manitoba will not issue provincial burning permits within or in areas bordering any municipality where the burning restrictions are in place.

Because of smoke and firefighting efforts, the province has closed PTH 6 between St. Martin Junction and Easterville Junction. Manitobans are asked to avoid this area and to watch for road closure or detour signs.

Fire Updates

Fire EA042 RM of Grahamdale

This fire is near the Lake St. Martin First Nation and Dauphin River First Nation, is estimated to be 1,100 hectares (ha) and the situation is improving.

Fire EA044 Homebrook

The fire now estimated to be nearly 200,000 ha and more than 80 kilometres (km) long and approximately 16 km wide at its widest point. Important value protection efforts are underway to preserve the Manitoba Hydro assets. Smoke from the fire is having an impact on a number of nearby communities. Evacuations have been initiated in Lake St. Martin, Little Saskatchewan, Pinamootang, Skownan and Dauphin River First Nation communities, starting with residents who are very young, those with health issues and seniors.

Fire EA033 RM of Piney / Sandilands

The situation is improving and the fire is estimated to be 2,000 ha. 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.

Fire EA059 Caddy Lake

The fire is approximately 1,600 ha. No significant suppression concerns due recent rainsfalls.

Fire WE007 Shilo / Spruce Woods Provincial Park

Rain has assisted 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. This fire has been contained on the Shilo Range and suppression efforts have been turned back to the Department of National Defence. The fire is estimated to be 5,600 ha. PTH 5 has been reopened between Carberry and Glenboro.

Fire W013 RM of Mountain North – Bellsite

Fire is about 1,400 ha and suppression operations are underway.

Fire WE011 Cowan

Fire approximately 7,500 ha near the community of Cowan. Value protection has been set up on structures along PTH 20 and suppression operations are underway.

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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