Extremely dry conditions have prompted the Manitoba Wildfire Service to implement fire restrictions across much of the southwest and eastern regions of the province.

Level two travel restrictions will immediately be taking effect. This includes:

  • motorized backcountry travel, including ATVs and other off-road vehicles, is prohibited unless under the authority of a travel permit;
  • camping is restricted to developed campgrounds;
  • campfires are permitted only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.; and
  • landing and launching boats is restricted to developed shorelines only.

The boundary of the restricted area is from PR 302 to PTH 12 to PR 317 to PTH 59 and PR 319 east to the Ontario border, and from the U.S. border north to Lake Winnipeg and the Winnipeg River including the Mars Hill Wildlife Management Area.

Similar restrictions are in place for the Turtle Mountain and Spruce Woods provincial parks, Spruce Woods provincial forest and the surrounding Crown land.

Also affected are Moose Lake, Birch Point, Marchand, Woodridge, Whiteshell, Whitemouth Falls, William Lake and Criddle/Vane Homestead provincial parks.

As a further wildfire prevention measure, provincial burn permits issued under the Wildfires Act within the same areas will be restricted to only essential agricultural, municipal or industrial operations. Burning within these areas will require the approval of an officer, and include a site inspection with strict conditions.

Many municipalities have already proactively implemented burning restrictions this spring, so also check with local municipal offices for more information or view the interactive Current Municipal Burning Restrictions. The province will not issue any burning permits within, or areas bordering any municipality where the burning restrictions are already in place.