High fire dangers have been reduced in areas of northern Manitoba as a result of widespread rain showers. Seventeen new fires were detected yesterday, of which all were successfully brought under control. The large fire between Sherridon and Cranberry Portage remains at approximately 55,000 hectares in size. A large suppression effort continues work on this fire. Manitoba firefighters are being assisted by out of province water bombers, and firefighters from Ontario, British Columbia, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Suppression efforts on this fire are progressing well. Provincial Highway #10 and #39 remain open. The Sherridon Road is now open to all traffic. The Gyles, Iskwasum, and Reed Lake campgrounds in Grass River Provincial Park as well as the Bakers Narrows campground have all been reopened. The evacuation alert for Cranberry Portage and Sourdough Bay has been cancelled.
The following travel restrictions in Area 12 (NW Region) have been lifted effective today due to recent precipitation that has been received.
Area 12 boundaries include:
West Boundary - Saskatchewan Border
North Boundary – Grass River System to Wabowden
East Boundary – N/A
South Boundary – CN Rail Line
The burning permit ban has been lifted; issuance of permits will be completed as per normal procedures. In addition, restricted hours for campground fire pits have been lifted.
However, Area 13's (NW and NE Regions) travel restrictions remain in place until further precipitation is received.
Area 13 boundaries include:
West Boundary – Saskatchewan Border
North Boundary – Churchill River System to Leaf Rapids and PTH # 391
East Boundary – HB Rail Line, Thompson to Sipiwesk to Wabowden
South Boundary – HB Rail Line, Grass River to Wabowden
In addition,
- Back-country level travel, including forestry roads requires approval by a travel permit with appropriate, site-specific conditions for all vehicles and people.
- Landing and launching restricted to developed shorelines for canoeing and boating. No back-country travel unless approved by travel permit.
- Travel permit not required and no restrictions for cottages/permanent residents.
- Camping in developed campgrounds only. Wayside Parks open. Campfires limited to developed/approved facilities between 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM.
- Lodge access permitted to main lodge only; Travel Permits required to use outcamps.
- Licensed fire-safe operations permitted for Industrial Operations (Timber - Mining). Non-essential services may be limited. Where necessary because access is not on a recognized road, travel permits will be issued for these activities on appropriate conditions.
- Travel Permits may be issued at discretion of local Natural Resource Officer for Outfitters.
- For all aircraft, use is permitted into lakes that have developed docks/shorelines.
- Licensed operations are permitted for commercial fishing. Landing and launching restricted to developed shorelines.
Please contact your local Conservation District office for further details.
A total of 331 fires have occurred so far this season burning a total of 93,141 hectares. This is in comparison to the twenty year average of 294 fires and 260,296 hectares as of this date. Of the 331 fires, 221 were human caused and 110 were started by lightning.
Open fires are prohibited from April 1 to November 15 annually, except under a burning permit or in an enclosed approved fire pit.
Please be safe and careful with all outdoor fires. To report a wildfire please call 1-800-782-0076 (toll free 24 hours).