Officials are cautioning Manitobans as parts of the province burns in wildfires.

All of southern and central Manitoba remains under extremely high wildfire danger levels Tuesday. Air-quality warnings are being put in place for parts of western and central Manitoba.

 

Areas of concern

The RM of North Cypress and the Town of Carberry are under a local state of emergency due to the fires. The province says the 3,600 ha of fire are being fought by the Department of National Defence from Shilo, local authorities, and MWS crews.

"The Spirit Sands Trails in the Carberry desert are closed. Hikers are urged to avoid the area and should not ignore closed trail signs," the province says in a statement.

Spruce Woods Provincial Park and Swan Lake First Nation could be impacted. Some residents have been evacuated.

Near Homebrook, a massive fire burns, amounting to somewhere between 60,000 to 70,000 ha. While there was a perimeter was set, the hot and windy conditions are pushing the flames further.

"There are significant concerns about the fire expanding today. Ground crews have regrouped to a safer position and will be taking further action on this fire today."

A nearby road construction camp has been evacuated. Homebrook could also be evacuated. Skownan First Nation, Waterhen, Mallard and Gypsumville could experience smokey conditions. 

 

Fires being controlled

In the Whiteshell area near Toniata, crews continue to make good progress. The Sandilands fire covering 2,000 ha is being controlled with the help of a fire team from Quebec, who are making good progress on the flames. 

The Libau/Netley Creek fire is being monitored by the Manitoba Wildfire Service (MWS).

"Taking action on this fire is difficult due to the terrain, but there are no properties at risk at this time."

North of Whitemouth, 3,800 ha are burning. Seven Sisters Falls and Pinawa are experiencing smokey conditions. MWS fire crews and water bombers are on the scene.

 

Continued restrictions

Travel and fire restrictions continue across the province. 

"There are drought conditions across much of southern Manitoba, which can allow wildfires to spread out of control quickly and challenge the ability to fight multiple fires at the same time. Human-caused fires are preventable and put people and communities unnecessarily at risk."

Level 2 restrictions are in place for:

  • Areas 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9
  • Mars Hill
  • Lauder Sandhills Wildlife Management Areas
  • all provincial parks south of the 53rd parallel

These restrictions include:

  • motorized backcountry travel, including ATVs and other off-road vehicles, is prohibited unless under the authority of a travel permit;
  • camping is restricted to developed campgrounds;
  • campfires are prohibited;
  • wayside parks remain open;
  • landing and launching is restricted to developed shorelines only; and
  • industry and outfitters should contact local Conservation and Climate offices for more information.

Manitoba is set to see rain over the next week.

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