The battle against wildfires in various provincial parks has not been won yet, but after a few days of cooler temperatures and rain the provincial government says there have been some encouraging signs.
In the latest fire bulletin, the province announced select areas of Whiteshell Provincial Park that are a safe distance away from the fires will be reopened. They added, however, that the wildfire along the Ontario border and inside part of the park remains out of control.
“Manitoba Parks is working closely with the Manitoba Wildfire Service, Conservation Officer Service and other partners,” said the province in a release, “to implement a phased approach to reopen safe areas, beginning with allowing the return of permanent residents, cottagers and commercial operators to the following areas: Falcon Lake and Barren Lake in the south Whiteshell and Sylvia Lake, Eleanor Lake, Dorothy Lake, Otter Falls, Barrier Bay, Nutimik Lake and Betula Lake in the north Whiteshell. Campgrounds will remain closed, in part to limit traffic volumes in the park.”
In their release, the province also said Falcon Lake and Barren Lake will reopen to local traffic only. All seasonal and nightly campsites across Whiteshell Provincial Park will remain closed at this time. Campsite reservations are being cancelled for all campgrounds in Whiteshell Provincial Park up to and including May 29. Hiking trails and water routes remain closed, and backcountry travel remains prohibited.
A full fire ban in all these areas remains in effect. The state of local emergency for Whiteshell Provincial Park remains in place.
