PROVINCE PREPARES FOR WILDFIRE SEASON

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Enjoy Summer but be Cautious During Outdoor Activities: Struthers

The provincial Fire Program is reminding Manitobans to be safe and careful around all outdoor fires while camping, hiking or enjoying Manitoba’s summer at any time, Conservation Minister Stan Struthers said today.

 

Dry conditions in a number of areas of the province this spring have seen Manitoba Conservation’s Fire Program record 35 fires, all human caused, in southern areas of the province.  

 

Resources for forest firefighting have been strengthened over the past year.  An additional 18 initial attack firefighters will be deployed into the Snow Lake, Thompson and Lac Du Bonnet areas.  As well, an additional helicopter will be put into service as required, bringing to six the number of contract helicopters.  The provincial wildfire fixed-wing air fleet consists of seven CL‑215 water bombers along with contract single-engine air tankers when needed.

 

“Enforcement activities and fire detection patrols are ready, and fire crews are being trained,” said Struthers, who added that fire crew training began April 14 this year, one of the earliest spring training dates ever.  “We have met our commitment to strengthen our support for Manitoba’s firefighting efforts to better protect Manitobans and our forests.”

 

Weather patterns, lightning strikes, soil moisture and forest conditions are monitored daily to determine the probability and location of wildfires.  

 

Open fires are prohibited from April 1 to Nov. 15 annually unless a burning permit is obtained or if fires are enclosed in approved fire pits such as campfire grates in provincial campsites.  Fires must be properly put out.  To properly extinguish a fire, water should be poured on the embers and stirred in the enclosed pit.

 

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