Manitoba gets extra help battling wildfires

Firefighters from Minnesota and air support from eastern Canada are in Manitoba to help battle wildfires spurred on by hot and dry conditions across the province.

A water bomber from Newfoundland and Labrador flew into Manitoba this week to help suppress the blazes, and wildfire initial attack crews and staff from the Office of the Fire Commissioner are using pumps and sprinklers to protect roughly 30 structures in Kinoosao, Sask., roughly 100 kilometres west of Lynn Lake, Man. 

Manitoba Sustainable Development says there have been 443 wildfires in Manitoba this season.

The province warns smoke from the fires burning across the prairie provinces and Northwest Territories may bring smoky conditions to parts of Manitoba over the weekend.

Officials also remind Manitobans to exercise extreme caution with any outdoor activities this weekend, including using only designated fire pits, and making sure to stay on authorized trails if using an all-terrain vehicle.

Wildfires can be reported by contacting local emergency services at 911 or by contacting the forest fire tip line at 1-800-782-0076.

• Manitoba gets additional support to battle wildfires
• Heat warnings continue across northern and central Manitoba
• Kinoosao, Sask., evacuated as wildfire burns in northern Manitoba