As wildfires continue to spread through eastern Manitoba, the province has decided to close Whiteshell Provincial Park.
As of 9 a.m. Thursday, all access to the park will be restricted, including all cottage subdivisions, commercial areas, campgrounds, group use, day use and all beaches, backcountry areas, canoe routes and campsites.
Residents of the area and park users have until 1 p.m. today to leave.
Full-time residents are asked to register in person with Manitoba Parks staff beginning Thursday at 9 a.m. at their nearest reception centre:
- Whiteshell Community Club, Provincial Road (PR) 301 in Falcon Lake
- Rennie Community Club, Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 44 in Rennie
- Eastman Snopals Garage (junction of PR 307 and Waterline Road)
Anyone unable to register in person is asked to call 204-340-6769.
The closure will remain in effect until conditions improve. Meanwhile, all campgrounds will remain closed until at least next Wednesday.
Anyone with a campground reservation will be contacted.
Other closures in place due to the fire include Nopiming, Pinawa Dam, Poplar Bay, Wallace Lake, South Atikaki and Manigotagan River provincial parks. These parks will also remain closed until conditions improve.
There are currently 14 fires burning in the province, with five being considered out of control.