With August long weekend on our doorstep, one of the region’s premier places to spend such a time has shared a note of caution on social media this afternoon.
Due to current dry conditions, Riding Mountain National Park has seen its Fire Danger rating elevated to “Very high,” which is the highest rating thus far in 2019 and one level below the maximum possible “Extreme” level on the Fire Danger scale.
On Natural Resources Canada’s online Fire Weather Map, the Very High designation is described as “High-intensity fire with partial to full crown involvement. Head fire conditions beyond the ability of ground crews; air attack with retardant required to effectively attack fire's head”
It is stated that there will be no fire ban, however it is asked that park patrons “use extra caution with campfires and other potential sources of fire:”
The fire danger rating in #RidingNP is “very high” heading into this weekend due to dry conditions, extremely warm...
Posted by Riding Mountain National Park on Friday, August 2, 2019
Suspected wildfires can be reported to Parks Canada at 1-877-852-3100
The same Fire Danger map shows a fair portion of Southwestern Manitoba in the “High” category as of Friday. Much of Southern Manitoba is in the midst of a heatwave with portions having been under a “Heat Warning” from Environment and Climate Change Canada and other areas just below the threshold used to issue the same warning. All information on weather warnings for the area can be seen at this link.
Also on the topic of the Park, it was shared today that work to update the main parking lot in Wasagaming is nearly finished. The now-paved space includes 275 parking spaces, electric vehicle charging stations and paved sidewalks connecting to Clear Lake beach.
Photo Credit: Parks Canada