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 2 travel restrictions will immediately be taking effect. This includes 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 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 Provincial Road 302 to Highway 12 to PR 317 to Highway 9 and Provincial Road 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 Rural Municipalities have already proactively implemented burning restrictions this spring, and anyone questioning their regional rules is advised to contact their local RM office. The province will not be issuing any burn permits within any regions or near any regions where the burning restrictions are already in place.

Meanwhile, ATV riders are reminded that they can play a role in protecting against wildfires. Anyone using an ATV is asked to stay on developed trails, ensure the ATV has a working spark arrestor, check areas around the engine and exhaust frequently, and carefully remove and extinguish any debris from these areas. Operators are also reminded to be prepared by carrying a fire extinguisher, axe and shovel.

To report a wildfire, call 911 or the T.I.P. line at 1-800-782-0076. For further information on the fire status, maps, travel restrictions, burning permit cancellations or other restrictions visit the Manitoba Government's website.