| May 13, 2016FIRE BULLETIN #10
The Wildfire Program of Manitoba Sustainable Development advises that cool conditions have helped crews make good progress on wildfires in the eastern region.
Eastern Region
The wildfire northeast of Caddy Lake on the Manitoba/Ontario border remains approximately 5,800 hectares (ha) today and is more than 50 per cent contained. Ontario continues to lead operations to control this fire.
More than 200 people attended an information meeting with Manitoba and Ontario fire officials about the Caddy Lake fire last night at the Whiteshell Community Hall in Falcon Lake. Local authorities are continuing to lead the response to support Manitoba evacuees in the region.
All burning permits for the eastern region have been cancelled and no new permits will be issued. Evacuation orders remain in effect.
PR 312 from one kilometre east of PTH 44 (Big Island turn off) to the Ontario border remains closed.
The Beresford Lake fire grew slightly to approximately 75,000 ha and is approximately 30 per cent contained. Sprinkler protection continues on cabins in the area and crews are making good progress with suppression efforts.
Twenty firefighters from Nova Scotia are expected to arrive in Manitoba tonight to provide assistance and will be deployed to the Beresford Lake fire on Saturday.
The mandatory evacuation of the Beresford cottage subdivision in the Nopiming Provincial Park continues. The Beresford and Wallace lake campgrounds are closed until wildfire conditions improve.
An evacuation order remains in effect for Wallace Lake, which affects 61 cottages and one lodge. Officials are monitoring conditions at Long Lake closely.
Manitoba Sustainable Development, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the Southeast Whiteshell Fire Department and the Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner continue co-operative suppression efforts on these border area wildfires.
Travel restrictions remain in place in eastern Manitoba including the Mars Hill Wildlife Management Area. Motorized backcountry travel between the hours of noon to 7 p.m. requires a travel permit issued by a conservation officer in these areas.
In the Whiteshell Provincial Park, the Hunt Lake, Mantario and McGillivray Falls hiking trails are closed until wildfire conditions improve.
Evacuees, cottagers and area residents can call 204-345-1444 to get up-to-date information about both fires in the eastern region.
Air Quality and Health Effects of Smoke
Smoke levels from forest fires may vary considerably due to fire conditions and wind directions.
Check local weather forecast for smoke conditions including any public alerts about smoke or poor air quality in local areas. Those in the Brandon or Winnipeg areas can check the local Air Quality Health Index at www.ec.gc.ca/cas-aqhi/ for updates on air quality conditions.
For information about the health effects of smoke, talk to health-care providers or call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or (toll-free) 1-888-315-9257 or visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/wildlandfiresmoke.html.
Additional Information
In Manitoba, a total of 58 wildfires have been recorded to date. The average for this date is 87.
For further general information on the fire status, maps, travel restrictions, burning permit cancellations or other restrictions go to www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire/ or follow the Twitter account at www.twitter.com/mbgovnews.
For additional information on the fires or restrictions in eastern Manitoba, contact the eastern region office at 204-345-1444. For information on restrictions in Ontario, call 1-807-548-1919.
To report a wildfire, call 911 or the T.I.P. line (toll-free) at 1-800-782-0076. The T.I.P. line is dedicated for reporting fires only. All other inquiries should be directed to the other phone lines noted above. |
