Hot and windy conditions are being forecast for this weekend and that has prompted our province to issue fire and travel restrictions.
The Manitoba Wildfire Service has announced that Level 1 fire and travel restrictions will take effect Friday at 8 am. It says there is a high fire danger in the southeast and Interlake region of the province. Forecasted extreme winds, above-average temperatures, and low humidity levels are driving this restriction, which will remain in effect until sufficient foliage appears. 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 and includes Whiteshell Provincial Park.
Level 1 fire and travel restrictions include the following:
all fires are prohibited between the hours of 8 am and 8 pm. Fires outside of these hours must be in an approved campfire pit.
motorized backcountry travel, including ATVs and other off-road vehicles, is prohibited during specified hours of 8 am until 8 pm.
motorized backcountry travel to access a remote cottage via forestry road, private road, or trail between 8 am and 8 pm will require a travel permit issued by Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures.
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.
For areas where ATV use is allowed outside the travel restriction areas, riders are reminded they can play a role in protecting against wildfires. Anyone using an ATV is asked to stay on developed trails, ensure the ATV has a working spark arrestor, check areas around the engine and exhaust frequently, and carefully remove and extinguish any debris from these areas. Operators are also reminded to be prepared by carrying a fire extinguisher, axe, and shovel. Sparks from trailer chains, lawnmowers, and other outdoor equipment contacting hard surfaces can cause dry-cured grasses to ignite. Take precautions, maintain equipment, and be aware of hazards in work areas.
Currently, in the southeast, only the RM of Piney has a burn ban in effect for all open fires. Only recreational fires in compliant pits are permitted.
To report a wildfire, call 911 or the TIP line toll-free at 1-800-782-0076.
Written by Shannon Dueck Wednesday, Apr 30 2025, 1:38 PM
