As evacuation orders begin to lift in some parts of the province, thousands of Manitobans will be able to return home, effective today.
In their latest fire bulletin, the provincial government announced that about 7000 Manitobans from Pimicikamak Cree Nation (Cross Lake) and the Incorporated Community of Cross Lake will be able to return home today. This does not mean, however, that the fire danger has passed.
“While conditions are improving, the province is at a high fire danger level today and the potential for new fires due to lightning and human causes continues,” reads the bulletin. “Evacuees are thanked for their patience as re-entry plans continue over the coming weeks to return evacuees to their homes safely and as soon as possible.”
The Manitoba Wildfire Service continues to respond to 18 active wildfires across the province, a total of 120 wildfires to date, above the average for this date of 104 total fires.
Fires of note include:
East region:
- Fire EA061 remains out of control at approximately 218,700 hectares (ha). Provincial Road (PR) 315 is closed at the Tanco Mine north of the Bird River area, with no travel beyond that point to Nopiming Provincial Park and onward up to PR 314 and Bissett. A mandatory evacuation order continues for Nopiming Provincial Park. A two-hour evacuation notice remains in place for the Rural Municipality of Alexander from Tall Timber Road to Hill Drive. Bissett will begin returning home on June 17.
- Fire EA063, located on the Ontario border near Ingolf, is being held at approximately 5,400 ha on the Manitoba side of the border and approximately 36,000 ha in Ontario. This fire originated in Ontario and is numbered there as KEN#020. A closure order continues for the Mantario Wilderness Zone in Whiteshell Provincial Park and the Caddy Lake tunnels are closed. All trails and backcountry water routes in provincial parks remain closed.
West region:
- Fire WE017, located near Sherridon and the city of Flin Flon, is approximately 370,780 ha and is out of control. Mandatory evacuation orders remain in place for Big Island, Schist Lake, Little Athapapuskow Cottage Area, Lake Athapapuskow, Whitefish, White Lake (northwest region), Bakers Narrows Provincial Park and the city of Flin Flon. Community of Sherridon, Herb Lake Landing, Payuk Lake and Twin Lake returned home on June 14.
- Fire WE023, located eight km from Wanless and south of Cranberry Portage, is approximately 4,920 ha and remains out of control. Cranberry Portage returned home on June 14.
- Fire WE025, located near Mathias Colomb Cree Nation (Pukatawagan), is approximately 55,140 ha and remains out of control. The fire around Mathias Colomb Cree Nation is contained but a mandatory evacuation order continues for Mathias Colomb Cree Nation (Pukatawagan).
- Fire WE027, located eight km from the town of Grand Rapids and Misipawistik Cree Nation, is approximately 12,000 ha and is out of control.
- Fire WE028, located 10 km from Bakers Narrows Provincial Park, is approximately 7,190 ha and is out of control.
North region:
- Fire NO002, located near the town of Lynn Lake, is approximately 70,820 ha and is out of control. A mandatory evacuation order continues for the town of Lynn Lake and Marcel Colomb First Nation (Black Sturgeon).
- Fire NO005, located five km from Pimicikamak Cree Nation (Cross Lake), the Incorporated Community of Cross Lake, Jenpeg Generating Station and Whiskey Jack Landing, is approximately 64,860 ha and is out of control. A mandatory evacuation order has been lifted and Pimicikamak Cree Nation (Cross Lake) and the Incorporated Community of Cross Lake are now returning home as of June 16.
- Fire NO010, located near Tataskweyak Cree Nation (Split Lake), is approximately 21,560 ha and is out of control. A mandatory evacuation order continues for Tataskweyak Cree Nation (Split Lake).
Fire and travel restrictions
Manitoba continues under a provincewide state of emergency. Human activity continues to significantly contribute to Manitoba’s current wildfire situation. The provincial state of emergency under the Emergency Measures Act is in effect until June 26.
Manitoba continues at Level 3 for fire and travel restrictions across much of the province including all provincial parks and all burn permit areas (areas 1 to 22). A full burn ban is in place. Campfires are prohibited even in approved pits. Check www.manitoba.ca/wildfire/#travel_restrictions for details.
Backcountry travel is prohibited without a permit. For travel permit requests, email BackcountryTravel@gov.mb.ca or call (204) 345-1489.
Grass River Provincial Park is reopening today for all park users including Gyles, Iskwasum Landing and Reed Lake campgrounds.
Wekusko Falls Provincial Park will reopen Tuesday, June 17 for seasonal campers and day visitors. Nightly camping will reopen Friday, June 20.
Trails and backcountry water routes in all provincial parks are closed. Several provincial parks remain closed to all park users. Check www.manitobaparks.com for details.
Since May 1, the Manitoba Conservation Officer Service has issued 88 charges and 29 warnings related to wildfires.
