While wildfires in Nopiming and Whiteshell provincial parks remain active and out of control, Manitoba Parks says firefighting progress has allowed one more area in the northern Whiteshell to reopen.
As of 9 a.m. on Sunday, May 25, permanent residents, cottagers, commercial operators and daytime visitors are permitted to return to the Pointe du Bois area. Provincial Road 313, which leads into the community, is also reopening.
The province is warning that despite this limited reopening, wildfire activity remains high across eastern Manitoba, and those returning to the area must be ready to evacuate with little notice. Officials recommend preparing an emergency go kit in case of a sudden evacuation. More information is available online at www.gov.mb.ca/emo/guide/individuals.
A state of local emergency remains in place for Nopiming, Wallace Lake, South Atikaki and Manigotagan River provincial parks, all of which remain fully closed to the public. That includes all cottage subdivisions, commercial areas, campgrounds, trails, beaches, and backcountry canoe routes.
A state of local emergency also continues for Whiteshell Provincial Park, where only limited areas are accessible. Manitoba Parks says decisions to reopen additional areas will be based on daily assessments of wildfire behaviour, fire suppression efforts, weather conditions and expert judgment from wildfire officials.
Two of the largest and most complex fires currently burning in the province are Fire E061 in the Nopiming area and Fire E063 in the Whiteshell. Both are expected to remain active due to hot, dry weather conditions and no significant precipitation in the forecast.
Manitoba Parks and the Manitoba Wildfire Service are jointly evaluating ongoing threats and response efforts across multiple eastern parks, including Pinawa Dam and Whitemouth.
All campgrounds in Whiteshell Provincial Park remain closed, both to minimize traffic in case further evacuations are needed and to allow campground staff to assist in emergency operations. This includes all seasonal and nightly campsites. The province has cancelled all reservations through May 29 and is contacting affected campers via email. The closure may be extended depending on how the wildfire situation evolves.
All hiking trails and water routes in the Whiteshell remain closed, and all forms of backcountry travel are currently prohibited.
In addition, a full fire ban is in effect for all provincial parks in Manitoba. No open fires of any kind are permitted, including those in approved fire pits, at any time of day. The use of charcoal briquettes is also banned. Gas appliances such as propane barbecues and stoves are allowed. Fireworks and sky lanterns are prohibited across all parks.
Manitoba Parks says it understands many people are eager to return to cottages and recreational areas, especially as summer approaches, but public safety remains the highest priority. Officials urge all Manitobans to respect closures and restrictions to ensure the safety of residents, emergency crews and visitors.
Park users and travellers are encouraged to monitor conditions regularly. Details about fire restrictions, park access, closures and updates can be found at www.manitobaparks.com.
For park-specific fire bans and closures, updates are available at www.manitobaparks.com and www.gov.mb.ca/sd/parks/fire_restriction.
Fire concerns are not limited to parkland
By Patricia Barrett
The provincial government continues to put restrictions on fires and motorized back-country travel as wildfire danger levels and ongoing human-caused wildfires continue to threaten parts of Manitoba.
The province offers an interactive fire map showing which areas are under a burn ban. It also offers specific burn ban information by individual municipality.
People living in the Interlake are advised to check with their respective municipalities to see what restrictions are in place regarding bonfires, burn barrels, fireworks and motorized travel (e.g., ATVs and other recreational vehicles) in back-country areas.
According to the province’s Municipal Burning Restrictions Map, Interlake municipalities have burn bans in effect. Some RMs have instituted a total fire and motorized-vehicle ban while others have partial restrictions (map and corresponding information viewed late Sunday afternoon, May 25).
Visit the Municipal Burning Restrictions Map via Manitoba Conservation’s website, and click on a municipality for detailed information: www.gov.mb.ca/conservation_fire/Restrictions
For information about burn bans in parks visit: www.gov.mb.ca/sd/parks/fire_restriction
