Latest news with #fireconditions
CTV News
15-05-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Whitehsell Provincial Park closing due to extreme fire conditions
Michelle Gerwing has details on some of the most complex and volatile fires burning in Manitoba. Michelle Gerwing has details on some of the most complex and volatile fires burning in Manitoba. Where the biggest wildfires are burning in Manitoba The Manitoba government is closing Whitehsell Provincial Park on Thursday morning amid extreme fire conditions in eastern Manitoba. In its latest fire bulletin, the province said access to the provincial park will be restricted as of 9 a.m. on Thursday. This includes all public and private developed areas, such as cottage subdivisions, commercial areas, campgrounds, group use and day use areas, trails, beaches, canoe routes and campsites. The province adds that all park users, including full-time residents, commercial operators and cottagers, must be out of the park by 1 p.m. on Thursday. Full-time residents, not including cottagers or campers, are asked to register with Manitoba Parks staff beginning at 9 a.m. at either Whiteshell Community Club, Rennie Community Club or Eastman Snopals Garage. Those who can't register in person can call 204-340-6769. The government notes Whitehsell Provincial Park will remain closed until fire conditions improve, while its campgrounds will remain closed until at least Wednesday, May 21. Staff with the Parks Reservation Service will be in touch with all affected reservation holders.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Wildland fire claims 70 acres near Wilton
May 10—BEMIDJI — Low humidity levels and high winds have created dangerous fire conditions in the region, as was seen Friday afternoon when a wildland fire broke out near Wilton around 1 p.m. According to Joe Rucinski, Bemidji area forestry supervisor for the Department of Natural Resources, the fire spread quickly due to the gusty winds, and damaged around 70 acres of forest land and timber roughly half a mile south of Pete's Place West along the Soo Line Trail. "We had the Bemidji Fire Department and multiple DNR forestry engines, tracked vehicles and dozers working on the fire," Rucinski said. "As well as two water-scooping airplanes, a single-engine air tanker dropping retardant and one helicopter, all helping out." While there were several structures in the path of the fire, he said none were damaged as far as he knew. The primary damage was burning timber in a Norway pine plantation on Beltrami County land. He said some observed fire behavior was crowning — when the fire spreads quickly through the tops of the trees due to high winds — and group torching — when multiple trees ignite and burn at the same time. Some flame lengths were estimated to be shooting 50-60 feet into the air. The fire was primarily contained by 5 p.m. on Friday, and as of Saturday afternoon was in monitoring status. "So we're checking it two, three times a day to monitor things, but overall, it's looking really good," Rucinski said. Rucinski also added that with the low relative humidity and high winds forecast for the coming days, residents should be extra cautious about avoiding any activity that could potentially start a fire. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for much of Minnesota through Sunday for critical fire weather. Near-critical to critical fire weather conditions continue for Monday and Tuesday. Temperatures are forecast to be in the high 80s to low 90s through Wednesday, with winds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts up to 50 mph on Sunday and relative humidity as low as 15%. "Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended," the NWS warning said. "Southerly winds will continue to increase over the weekend, with extremely warm temperatures arriving by Sunday. The hot temperatures, low relative humidity values, and strong southerly winds could bring critical fire weather conditions Sunday afternoon." Beltrami County Emergency Management Director Chris Muller also issued a caution for local residents as the department continues to monitor the weather situation. "With persistent drought conditions, the unseasonably warm weather combined with strong winds and low humidity is certainly concerning for wildfire threat," Muller said. He added that Beltrami County has experienced numerous wildfires in recent years, and conditions are ripe for explosive wildfire growth. "As was experienced on Friday, fire can quickly spread," he continued. "We are fortunate to have numerous DNR resources that can quickly respond to wildfires. We are also thankful for our local fire departments that provide structure protection when flames get too close." * Be extra cautious using outdoor equipment * Avoid equipment that creates sparks * Check for dragging chains on vehicles/trailers * Keep equipment out of dry grass * Avoid outdoor burning * Debris/agricultural/trash burning * Campfires * Avoid activities that involve open flame and/or sparks * Don't carelessly discard cigarettes * Evacuate if ordered to do so by local authorities * Call 911 if you see fire or smoke
