The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Busy Manitoba Conservation crews have contained the last of more than 60 northern forest fires sparked last week by lightning. Yesterday, firefighters were patrolling the two fire sites, located south of Lynn Lake, to ensure every last smoking ember had been doused. It's part of what's been a brisk summer for fire crews, who have responded to 128 forest fires north of the 53rd Parallel this summer. Most have been minor, each consuming between one-tenth and half of a hectare of woodland, and none ever threatened any communities. "The losses haven't been that bad, comparatively," said Manitoba Fire Program director Bob Enns. He said the current dry conditions have the potential to stimulate new fires, but rain and spurts of cool weather have helped keep potential trouble at bay. Across the province, 166 forest fires had been reported as of yesterday, far less than the same point last year when there were 793. Dry and hot conditions made 2003 the second-worst year on record for forest fires. In a typical year, Manitoba has about 540 forest fires, about half of which are started by lightning and half by people. Enns reminds people to only start camp fires in approved containers; be sure they have the ability to extinguish it; and ensure it is fully out before leaving.
