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The Manitoba Wildfire Service has issued warnings following a series of thunderstorms that ignited multiple wildfires across northern and western regions of the province.
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As of the latest update, there are currently 58 active wildfires, though this number remains lower than the average for this time of year. Despite this, several fires are causing concern due to their size and proximity to populated areas.
In the western region, fires WE032 and WE033 have merged into one large fire approximately 27 kilometres east of Pukatawagan, covering an area of approximately 2,392 hectares. Efforts to contain this fire are ongoing, with water bombers and ground crews focusing on securing the perimeter south of the Churchill River.
Meanwhile, in the northern region, fire NO038, located 60 kilometres northeast of Thompson and 55 kilometres west of Split Lake, has spread to an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 hectares. Surrounded by creeks and swamps, authorities anticipate the natural barriers will help prevent further southern expansion.
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Farther north, fire NO055 near Garden Hill and God’s Lake Narrows spans 657 hectares and is under close watch to protect nearby infrastructure and residential areas. Firefighters are also managing fire NO063, approximately 8 kilometres northeast of Marcel Colomb First Nation, which has expanded northward, and fire NO071, east of Marcel Colomb First Nation, covering about 375 hectares.
Smoke from these fires is affecting visibility along Provincial Trunk Highway 391 and potentially PTH 280, prompting advisories for travellers in these areas to exercise caution.
Residents in impacted communities are advised to take precautions against smoke inhalation, including limiting outdoor activities and staying indoors with windows and doors closed. Additionally, the Manitoba government reminds residents that provincial burning permits are required for outdoor fires in designated areas until November 15, and urges adherence to local burning restrictions and safety guidelines.
For ongoing updates and more information on wildfire conditions and burn permits, residents are encouraged to visit the Manitoba government’s website and follow their official X account for alerts. To report a wildfire, call 911 or the toll-free TIP line at 1-800-782-0076.
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