Manitoba has sent a group of firefighters to Alberta to help fight the wildfires that rage on throughout the province, but the provincial government is keeping a close eye on the situation here at home as well.
Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt says that to date, there have been 16 wildfires in the province as of yesterday. He says it's important for Manitobans to do their part in limiting fires as much as possible.
"Many Manitobans are looking forward to the start of camping and fishing season in the coming days and we all must remember to do our part to prevent wildfires whether we’re at home, at the cottage, or enjoying the backcountry."
All 16 wildfires this year have been caused by humans and none are a concern at this time. Nesbitt says that one tanker group is currently activated in Manitoba, and another is on standby.
This week is recognized as emergency preparedness week and Nesbit says there are some easy ways to reduce wildfire risks.
Campfires:
- If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.
Backyard debris burning:
- Don’t burn when it is windy or when vegetation is very dry.
- Check local regulations, a permit may be required.
- Choose a safe burning site away from power lines, overhanging limbs, buildings, vehicles, and equipment.
- Burning sites should be surrounded by gravel or mineral soil at least 10 feet in all directions.
- Keep the surroundings watered down during the burn and have a shovel close by.
- Keep debris piles small and manageable, add additional debris as the fire burns down.
- Make sure burning barrels are made entirely of metal, properly equipped (at least three evenly-spaced, three-inch, screened vents and top metal screen), and in good condition.
- Stay with the fire until it is completely out. Drown the fire with water, turn over the ashes with a shovel, and drown it again, repeat several times.
- Check the burn area regularly over the next several days and up to several weeks following the burn, especially if the weather is warm, dry, and windy.
Vehicle safety:
- Be sure chains and other metal parts are not dragging from the vehicle, as they can create sparks.
- Check the vehicle’s tire pressure. Driving on an exposed wheel rim can cause sparks.
- Be careful driving through or parking on dry grass or brush. Hot exhaust pipes can cause grass fires.
- Never let brake pads wear thin. Metal on metal creates sparks.
Lawn care:
- Sparks from lawnmowers and power equipment can start wildfires. Be careful on hot, dry days, and be sure to check equipment regularly.
Taking care of your home:
- Keep roofs, gutters, decks, and patios clear of leaves, pine needs, or other flammables at all times.
- Remove flammable mulch and vegetation 1.5m from homes and replace it with non-flammable material.
- A mowed lawn is a fire-resistant lawn. Grasses shorter than 10cm in height are less likely to burn intensely.
To report a wildfire, call 911 or the toll-free TIP line at 1-800-782-0076.
