Northern Manitoba travel restricted as forest fires rage

Manitoba Conservation advises that due to persistent dry, hot conditions in northern Manitoba and a high forest-fire hazard, travel restrictions are being put in place for the north including Cranberry Portage, Flin Flon and Thompson areas and all the way to the northern edge of the province.
 
The restrictions mean back-country travel in the north is allowed by permit only, camping must be at an established campground and boat or canoe travel is restricted to developed shorelines only. The full details on travel restrictions can be found at:

www.gov.mb.ca/cgi-bin/fire/show_current.pl?location=Fire-Update.
 
Earlier restrictions in the northwest region included cancelling burning permits and a ban on open fires in all areas including campgrounds until further notice. Timber-harvesting and tree-planting operations have been temporarily suspended and mining companies are required to have water sprinklers at their work areas. The burning permit ban is now effective in the northeast region as well.
 
There were nine new fires since yesterday, all are relatively small and none are threatening any homes or property. 
 
Work to battle the fire at Kisseynew Lake, between Cranberry Portage and Sherridon continues.  However, high fire-danger levels created by extremely dry conditions, low humidity and strong, gusting winds have continued to push this fire.  The fire is now approximately 3,000 hectares in size and efforts to protect camps, cottages and cabins in the area are underway, with the assistance of the Office of the Fire Commissioner. There are 29 firefighting crews, seven helicopters, six water bombers, six bulldozers and six skidders being used in fighting this fire. Manitoba’s efforts have been supplemented by two water bombers and a bird dog aircraft, as well as 10 fire crews from Ontario.  
 
The road between Cranberry-Portage and Sherridon is open.