The Manitoba Wildfire Service is urging residents to help prevent human-caused fires as dry, warm conditions continue across much of the province.
Fire danger is currently moderate across most regions, but the far northwest and eastern Manitoba remain under high fire risk. Officials are continuing to respond to 12 active wildfires, and so far this year, 87 wildfires have been reported.
This information was updated Friday evening.
Several major fires continue to burn
In the east region, Fire EA061 near Bird River is the largest and remains out of control at approximately 105,000 hectares. Evacuations are ongoing for Pointe du Bois, Nopiming Provincial Park, and the Rural Municipality of Alexander. The Tanco Mine remains closed, and Wallace Lake Cottage Association is also under an evacuation order.
Fire EA057 near Carrick is being held at about 8,900 hectares, while Fire EA059 near Libau is under control at 5,000 hectares. Meanwhile, Fire EA062, located six kilometres from Lac du Bonnet, is being held at 4,000 hectares. The RM of Lac du Bonnet and parts of the RM of Alexander have lifted evacuation orders, but road access remains restricted as needed.
Another significant fire, EA063 near Ingolf on the Ontario border, is 1,650 hectares on the Manitoba side and approximately 32,000 hectares in total. It began in Ontario and continues to require suppression efforts before more areas can reopen in Whiteshell Provincial Park.
In the west and north regions, Fire WE004 stretching from Opaskwayak Cree Nation to Root Lake is now under control at 43,315 hectares. Other active fires include:
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Fire WE015 near Cranberry Portage (40 ha, out of control)
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Fire WE017 near Sherridon (2,231 ha, out of control)
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Fire NO002 near Lynn Lake (1,400 ha, out of control)
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Fire NO006 near Cross Lake (1,500 ha, out of control)
Park closures and restrictions in place
All provincial parks in Manitoba are under a full fire ban, which prohibits campfires, even in approved pits. The use of charcoal briquettes is banned, though propane stoves and gas appliances are allowed. Fireworks and sky lanterns are also prohibited.
Park closures and evacuation orders remain in effect in areas where wildfires pose a risk. The province says decisions to reopen parks are made daily based on suppression efforts, fire activity, and weather conditions.
“Park closures and evacuations are a protective measure to safeguard lives and reduce harm when wildfire poses a significant threat,” the province said in its update.
Current fire restrictions
Fire restrictions remain in place across much of the province:
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Areas 1, 2, and 3: Level 3 restrictions
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Area 5: Level 2
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Area 8: Level 1
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All other areas: total burn ban
This means no open burning or campfires are allowed, even in approved fire pits. Full restriction details and maps are available at gov.mb.ca.
Many municipalities have also enacted their own local burn bans. Residents are asked to check with their local RM or visit the interactive burning restrictions map before lighting any fires.
Support from across Canada
Manitoba continues to receive assistance from other jurisdictions. Firefighting support includes:
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A water bomber group from Alberta
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58 firefighters from Alberta
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41 firefighters from British Columbia
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19 firefighters from Parks Canada
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500 sprinklers from British Columbia
Resources and contact information
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Evacuees can call 211 or email 211mb@findhelp.ca for assistance.
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To report a wildfire, call 911 or the TIP line at 1-800-782-0076.
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More information is available at www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire or on X (formerly Twitter) at @mbgov.
This is a developing story and we will have more as information becomes available.