Our province is taking additional steps to prevent wildfires on these hot and dry days.
The Manitoba Wildfire Service has announced that Level 1 fire and travel restrictions will change Friday morning. Beginning at 8 am, there will be a complete ban of all motorized backcountry travel. Prior to now, the ban was only between 8 am and 8 pm. This change is due to rising temperatures and the lack of significant precipitation. Our province says a high fire danger continues to persist in the southeast and Interlake regions. 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 will be impacted by these restrictions. The boundary starts at Provincial Road 302 and then extends to the Ontario border. These restrictions include the following provincial parks: Whiteshell, Spruce Woods, Beaudry, St. Ambroise Beach, Stephenfield, Birds Hill, Lake St. Andrews and Lake St. George.
Level 1 fire and travel restrictions include:
- total ban of all motorized backcountry travel including ATVs and other off-road vehicles during all hours;
- all fires prohibited between the hours 8 am and 8 pm. Fires outside of these hours must be in an approved campfire pit;
- all motorized backcountry travel to access a remote cottage via forestry road, private road or trail 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. Those municipalities include:
- RM of La Broquerie
- RM of Ste. Anne
- RM of Tache
- RM of De Salaberry
- RM of Stuartburn
- RM of Piney
- RM of Springfield
To report a wildfire, call 911 or the TIP line toll-free at 1-800-782-0076.