Hot and dry conditions have prompted the Manitoba Wildfire Services to place some restrictions in parts of southern Manitoba.

It says burning permits will only be issued to essential burning, for rural municipalities, industrial operations and agriculture. All other burning permits will be restricted immediately in southern Manitoba.

Further, due to high wildfire danger levels, on Thursday June 3, Level 1 travel restrictions will take effect across Area 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 9 and Level 2 restrictions will take effect across Area 5 and 8 for the southwest and eastern regions of the province. The Province’s Fire and Travel Restrictions map will be updated on Thursday at www.gov.mb.ca/sd/fire/Restrictions/index.html.

Level 1 travel restrictions include the following:

  • motorized backcountry travel, including ATVs and other off road vehicles, is prohibited unless under the authority of a travel permit;
  • outfitters will require travel permit; and
  • industrial operations will require district assessment and conditions set based on activity.

Level 2 travel restrictions include the following:

  • 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 pm and 8 am;
  • wayside parks remain open;
  • landing and launching is restricted to developed shorelines only; and
  • industry and outfitters should contact local Conservation and Climate offices for more information.

Many municipalities have already proactively implemented burning restrictions this spring, so be sure to check with local municipal offices for more information or view the interactive Current Municipal Burning Restrictions at www.manitoba.ca/wildfire/burn_conditions.html. The province will not issue any burning permits within or areas bordering any municipality where the burning restrictions are already in place.