About 300 people in the north Waterhen area, including Skownan First Nation and Mallard area, will lose power today.
Manitoba Hydro will safely replace three wood poles that were damaged in a grass fire on Sunday. The outage will be from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Each year uncontrolled grass fires and stubble burning causes irreparable and expensive damage to utility poles. When this happens, it disrupts electrical service and inconveniences homeowners and communities.
For controlled burns, Manitoba Hydro asks people to practice safe burning, including:
- Check with your municipality for regulations before you start your fire. Make a fireguard around your field and around wood utility poles to minimize damage from out-of-control burns caused by wind and dry conditions.
- Monitor your fire. Don't burn too much at once, and watch for uncontrolled areas of fire.
- Watch the weather. Don't burn stubble or grass when it's exceedingly dry or windy.
- Call the fire department immediately if your fire appears to be getting out of control.
- If a pole is down, stay clear of the area. Treat downed power lines as live and a safety risk. Call 911 immediately and Manitoba Hydro at 1-888-624-9376.
