Protect Yourself and Protect Setting Lake from Wildfires!
The presence of smoke in the air alerts us all that another wildfire season is here. Setting Lake Fire Department wants to assure residents that there are no wildfires threatening our community. Much of the smoke is coming from a large wildfire burning out of control to the west. The community of Pukatawagan is under evacuation.
Mathias Colomb Pukatawagan Wildfire – Photo credit Ralph Caribou
The two closest out-of-control wildfires are north of Norway House and north of the Grass River to the west of Ferguson Creek. With recent and upcoming weather activity the likelihood of more forest fires is high. Plan ahead. Wildfire Evacuation Guidelines are available at https://www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire/evacuation_guidelines.html
Manitoba Wildfire Services reminds Setting Lake cabin owners that open fires are prohibited from April 1 to November 15 annually. This restriction is designed to protect you, your property, and your community.
Campfires must be in enclosed firepits. Wildfire Services recommends all fire pits have a small-mesh grate.
Want to prepare your property to reduce the risk and impact of a wildfire?
Visit FireSmart at https://www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire/firesmart.html or www.firesmartcanada.ca or email FireSmart@gov.mb.ca.
As a wildfire prevention measure, if you plan to burn brush, you must have a Provincial Burn Permit, which is issued under the MB Wildfires Act. Burning will require the approval of an officer and may include a site inspection and officer supervision of the burn. Contact the Wabowden Conservation and Climate office at 204-689-2688 for more information.
Additional wildfire information and resources are available on the Manitoba Wildfire Program website: https://www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire/
Currently there are no fire restrictions on activities that have the potential to cause a wildfire such as travel, industrial operations, brush burning, fireworks, and campfires. However, if fire danger conditions worsen, this could change.
Environment Canada and Manitoba Health have issued an air quality alert for the communities of Lynn Lake, Leaf Rapids and Pukatawagan. The special bulletin says conditions are expected to improve Friday night into Saturday when the winds turn.
Jeff Henry
Fire Chief
Setting Lake
SLCOA Gold Sponsor
