Hot, dry, windy weather elevates wildfire risk in Manitoba

The hot, dry weather may be welcoming to many in Manitoba, but it's prompted the provinceto warn about the wildfire risk that comes along with it.

The province said the heat, along with gusty winds, has elevated the wildfire danger levels in many areas of Manitoba. Burning permits have been cancelled in central and eastern parts of the province as temperatures were forecast to reach or exceed 30 C on Friday.

• CBC Manitoba Weather Centre
• Forest fire prompts evacuations in Red Sucker Lake First Nation

To date, there have been 47 wildfires in Manitoba, according to the Manitoba Wildfire Program. All but one in northeastern Manitoba have been extinguished.

A fire that started last Wednesday near Red Sucker Lake First Nation and forced hundreds from their homes as a precaution has grown to 519 hectares and was listed as under control as of Friday afternoon.

The province warned in a news release to exercise extreme caution with any outdoor activities due to the fire risk. All-terrain vehicle users should stay on trails and check for engine or exhaust debris, the province said.

No open burning is allowed without a permit between April 1 and Nov. 15.