Skies were hazy and the sun a deep red as smoke from Saskatchewan forest fires blew into the Flin Flon area over recent days.
Environment Canada said a west wind pushed smoke from the fires into Manitoba, with Winnipeg among the communities affected, CBC reported.
The smoke was expected to continue to affect Manitoba until the wind direction changes, a development expected sometime this week, according to Manitoba Conservation.
The situation was so severe near Lac La Ronge in northern Saskatchewan that the local native band declared a state of emergency and began evacuations on Saturday, CBC reported.
Back in Manitoba, Conservation reported Monday morning that lightning had started several new wildfires throughout northern Manitoba but that crews successfully contained them.
As of yesterday morning, burning permits remained cancelled for much of the northwest region of Manitoba, including areas north of Flin Flon and Sherridon, south to Grand Rapids, west to the Saskatchewan border and east to Highway 6.
In addition, campfires were not allowed between 8 am and 8 pm at Bakers Narrows, Wekusko Falls, Grass River and Clearwater Lake provincial parks.
Conservation asks people to use caution when in or near forested areas.
“If using an ATV, please remember to stay on developed trails, stop frequently to check areas around the engine and exhaust for debris and carefully dispose of any debris found,” Conservation says on its website. “A small shovel, axe, and fire extinguisher should be carried with your ATV at all times.”
