Last summer, Manitoba’s wildfire season wasn’t as devastating as others across the country, but the numbers were still significant.

The fires peaked in June with 116, about a month earlier than usual, and the province had three wildfires of note.   

 They were the Cross Lake fire which began May 15th; the Leaf Rapids Fire which started on June 12th, followed by the Grand Rapids fire June 29th.   

Adam Ladouceur with the Manitoba Wildfire Service had this advice, particularly for remote areas.

“We look after wildfires and not structure fires so the best thing for remote communities and residents to do would be to fire smart around their house, cabin or community to help lessen the impact of an approaching fire and making sure firefighting equipment, or if they have a fire truck, is serviceable and ready to go when needed.”

Ladouceur said they employ over 300 seasonal staff which break out into 40 initial attack fire crews spread out across the province.

He said the province has a pool of 500 Emergency fire fighters who offset the initial attack crews.

Ladouceur says there has also been an uptick in recruiting this year.

Catch more about the Manitoba Wildfire Service and the outlook for the coming summer on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.