Portage la Prairie campers planning trips to eastern Manitoba parks will need to adjust their long weekend plans as extreme fire conditions prompt widespread closures. The province declared a state of local emergency for Whiteshell Provincial Park on Thursday, with all visitors ordered to leave by 1 p.m. that day.
The shutdown affects full-time residents, cottagers and commercial operators across eight provincial parks. Similar closures remain in Nopiming, Pinawa Dam and five other protected areas where dry conditions have created dangerous fire risks.
Emergency measures expand
All campgrounds, trails and recreational areas in the affected parks are now off-limits. The province cancelled existing camping reservations in Whiteshell and Nopiming parks for the coming week, with more cancellations possible if conditions don't improve.
"These measures protect both visitors and the crews working to manage these extreme fire conditions," says a Manitoba Parks spokesperson.
The restrictions come as the province implements full campfire bans across eastern and central region parks. Starting Friday, backcountry travel restrictions will also take effect across southeastern Manitoba, requiring permits for any motorized or non-motorized movement in designated areas.
Long weekend precautions
With the Victoria Day weekend approaching, officials urge all Manitobans - including Portage residents - to reconsider campfire use even where local bans aren't in place.
"One spark in these conditions could lead to disaster," adds a wildfire services representative. "We're asking everyone to help prevent new fires from starting."
Highway 1 remains open to Winnipeg, but travelers should check Manitoba 511 for updates before departing. Authorities remind the public that drone use near wildfires is illegal and endangers firefighting aircraft.
The province will provide ongoing updates through its wildfire website and social media channels. Anyone spotting wildfire activity should call 911 or the toll-free TIP line immediately.
For affected campers, reservation refunds will be processed automatically. Officials stress these measures aim to protect both park visitors and the province's firefighting resources during this critical period.