The Manitoba Wildfire Service advises Level 1 fire and travel restrictions will be implemented at 8 a.m. on Friday, May 2, due to high fire danger in the southeast and Interlake regions of the province. Forecasted extreme winds, above-average temperatures and low humidity levels are driving this restriction, which will remain in effect until sufficient foliage appears. Manitobans and visitors are urged to exercise caution and comply with all posted restrictions to prevent wildfire.
Areas 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 8 are affected. These restrictions include Whiteshell Provincial Park and Spruce Woods Provincial Park. The boundary of the restricted area is from Provincial Road (PR) 302 to Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 12 to PR 317 to PTH 59 and PR 319 east to the Ontario border and from the U.S. border north to Lake Winnipeg and the Winnipeg River including the Mars Hill Wildlife Management Area. Refer to the areas of the fire and travel restriction map found at: Province of Manitoba | Natural Resources and Northern Development
Level 1 fire and travel restrictions include the following:
- all fires prohibited between the hours 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Fires outside of these hours must be in an approved campfire pit;
- motorized backcountry travel, including ATVs and other off-road vehicles, is prohibited during specified hours of 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.;
- motorized backcountry travel to access a remote cottage via forestry road, private road or trail between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. will require a travel permit issued by Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures; and
- industry and outfitters should contact local Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures offices for more information.
As a further wildfire prevention measure, provincial burn permits issued under the Wildfires Act in the eastern and Interlake regions are cancelled and will not be issued until fire danger conditions improve. Burn permits for essential agricultural, municipal or industrial operations may be considered with the approval of an officer and will include a site inspection with strict conditions. Contact a Department of Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures office for more information. Further restrictions may be implemented if the fire danger levels increase or conditions change significantly. Failure to comply with the listed restrictions may result in prosecution under the Manitoba Wildfires Act with fines of up to $100,000 depending on the severity of the offence.
Many municipalities have proactively implemented burning restrictions this spring, so check with the local municipal office or view the interactive burning restrictions map at Province of Manitoba | Wildfire for more information. No burning permits will be issued for areas within or bordering any municipality where burning restrictions are already in place and permits are required for fireworks and sky lanterns from April 1 to Nov. 15.
For areas where ATV use is allowed outside the travel restriction areas, riders are reminded they can play a role in protecting against wildfires. Anyone using an ATV is asked to stay on developed trails, ensure the ATV has a working spark arrestor, check areas around the engine and exhaust frequently, and carefully remove and extinguish any debris from these areas. Operators are also reminded to be prepared by carrying a fire extinguisher, axe and shovel. Sparks from trailer chains, lawnmowers and other outdoor equipment contacting hard surfaces can cause dry-cured grasses to ignite. Take precautions, maintain equipment and be aware of hazards in work area.
For further information on the Manitoba Wildfire Service, situation updates, restrictions and other important wildfire links, go to Province of Manitoba | Wildfire Information
To report a wildfire, call 911 or the TIP line toll-free at 1-800-782-0076.
