Despite an increase in the number of fires across the province, Manitoba Sustainable Development says that they have had no issues containing the wildfires reported so far this year.

Gary Friesen, the Wildfire Program Manager with Sustainable Development, spoke to Arctic Radio News and said that those who are out in the forest need to be extra careful due to the dry conditions.

He said that those who are out on ATV’s should stick to established trails and routinely check the exhaust and engine areas of their machines to make sure there is no build up of debris that could cause a fire to start. He also added that a small ax, small shovel and fire extinguisher should be with you any time you ride.

Friesen said that the conditions are especially dry in the north, as it takes plants and trees longer to turn green due to colder temperatures and potential overnight frost.

There have been multiple fires in northern Manitoba so far in 2018, including one that reached a size of 221 hectares just west of Cross Lake.

Friesen said that there have been a total of 115 fires reported so far this year, which is higher than the average of 87. According to Sustainable Development, there are only around 45 active fires currently in the Province and they are not having issues controlling any of them.

If you spot a fire, you're asked to call 1-800-782-0076.