A lingering burning smell returns to Winnipeg.

East-central Manitoba is experiencing serious forest fires. The smoke is being pushed westward due to northeasterly winds, making its way into Winnipeg and east of the Red River Valley.

The Red River Valley will get the thickest smoke Thursday. Winnipeg's smokey conditions are set to improve as the day goes on. The smoke is set to be pushed north.

Winnipeg's air quality, according to Environment Canada, is sitting at Moderate Risk. The city will remain at a Moderate Risk until at least Friday night.

"Due to the smoky conditions, individuals living in or travelling to the above-noted areas are advised to be aware of potential health concerns that can be associated with current air conditions. In these current conditions, even healthy individuals may experience sore eyes, tears, coughing and a runny nose," Environment Canada says.

This will affect those with asthma, young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with heart or lung conditions the most.

They suggest people

  • limit outdoor activity and/or strenuous physical activity; if breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce the activity
  • reduce exposure to smoke by staying indoors or moving to areas with cleaner air, as conditions can vary dramatically by area
  •  turn off furnaces and air-conditioning units that may draw smoke indoors
  • keep indoor air cleaner by avoiding smoking or burning other materials

 

Fire and travel bans

South and central parts of the province are experiencing serious conditions with high to extreme fire danger levels. These regions will continue to see unchanged fire and travel restrictions. All provincial burning permits are cancelled provincewide with no new permits being issued at this time.

Conditions in northern Manitoba are improving, changing the smoke's dynamics.

As of 8 a.m. Friday, the following restrictions will be:

Area 4 is experiencing the strictest restrictions with no access, including to cottages. The province says permanent residents must be ready to leave on an hour’s notice. Campfires are not permitted. This brings them to Level 4.

Areas 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 will be in Level 2. This means Provincial burning permits are cancelled and campfires are permitted only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. Motorized backcountry travel, including ATVs and other off-road vehicles, is not allowed unless they have a travel permit. Wayside parks are open. Developed shorelines are the only spots to launch and land. Industry and outfitters may be restricted.

Areas 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 have the lowest restrictions at Level 1. Campfires are permitted only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. Motorized backcountry travel, including ATVs and other off-road vehicles, is not allowed unless they have a travel permit. Provincial burning permits are cancelled.

 

Provincial park restrictions

Grand Beach Provincial Park's trails are closed. No campfires are allowed there.

Spruce Woods Provincial Park's Canoe Landing Campground is closed. 

Mantario Trail remains closed.

Kwasitchewan Trail is reopening.

Fireworks and sky lanterns are prohibited.