State of emergency declared in Badger, Man. as wildfire grows

The RM of Piney, Man. has declared a state of emergency as it fights a wild land fire that is growing in the Badger area.

That community is 74 kilometers southeast of Steinbach, Man.

A wildfire started over the weekend, pushing flames to within two kilometres of Badger.

READ MORE: Fires banned in the City of Winnipeg until winds die down

“We have crews in place, fire crews working the flanks where they can get in safely,” Gary Friesen, Wildfire Program Manager said. “We’ve also got heavy equipment… and we’ve also had water bombers working it.”

RM of Piney Reeve, Ken Prociw, said an evacuation order is not in place but crews are on their way into Badger, home to about 20 permanent residents and 70 cottagers, to set up sprinklers around as many buildings as possible.

“We’re depending on what we get in terms of a lightening of the winds, which is a big thing right now, and precipitation,” Friesen said.

The forecast calls for minimal precipitation later this week.

READ MORE: Mike’s Monday Outlook: more windy, dry weather for southern Manitoba

For safety reasons people are being asked to avoid travel in the area.

Highway 203 between Badger and Carrick remains closed and residents are being asked to stay off back roads and fire guard roads.

A complete burn ban remains in effect in the RM of Piney.

The Province of Manitoba website shows all areas with municipal burning restrictions, as well as up-to-date wildfire information.