The Manitoba Wildfire Service says winds are creating challenges for crews battling fires in the Whiteshell.
The fire at Ingolf, Ontario continues to burn out of control. Officials say challenging winds from the east have caused flare-ups into Mantario wilderness lakes. Ontario aerial scans have revealed widespread heat and hot spots. Crews from Manitoba and Parks Canada are working the line with water bombers and heli-buckets. Value protection has been set up around Caddy, West Hawk, Florence, and Nora Lakes. The fire is 32,918 hectares in size, with 1,642 hectares burning within the Whiteshell. Our province says the cause of this fire remains under investigation.
Over in Nopiming Provincial Park, officials say that fire has grown by 5,000 to 8,000 hectares in the last 48 hours. It is now up to 110,000 hectares in size. Officials say the fire is now pushing southwest due to east and northeast winds. Crews from Manitoba, British Columbia, Alberta, and Parks Canada are establishing control lines with support from aerial suppression. Value protection is ongoing at Long Lake, remote access cabins, and Pointe du Bois (southeast flank). The fire continues to burn out of control and is believed to have been caused naturally.
The fire at Lac du Bonnet is currently being held. It is 4,008 hectares in size. Officials say it was caused by humans.
Most areas of Whiteshell Provincial Park remain closed under the current state of local emergency. Campgrounds, both seasonal and nightly, remain closed to reduce overnight volume and allow staff to focus on fire response. Trails and backcountry areas are closed. A full fire ban remains in effect across the Whiteshell.
In South Whiteshell, residents, cottagers, and visitors can access Falcon Lake and Barren Lake.
In North Whiteshell, residents, cottagers, and visitors can access Sylvia Lake, Eleanor Lake, Dorothy Lake, Otter Falls, Barrier Bay, Nutimik Lake, and Betula Lake.
Access to other areas remains restricted to protect lives, property, and emergency operations.
Manitoba Parks reminds the public that reopening decisions are made daily based on fire behaviour, environmental conditions, and suppression progress. There is no predetermined schedule for lifting closures.