Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Daytime campfire ban lifted in provincial parks

Long weekend campers got some good news today amid the gloomy, rainy weather – the daytime ban on campfires has been lifted.

Officials say the torrential downpour Friday night coupled with steady rain Saturday curbed the dry conditions that necessitated the ban. Daytime fires were banned in provincial parks in eastern and southeastern Manitoba, where grass fires have been problematic. As of this morning, fires were allowed in designated fire pits anytime.

Don Hallett, chief of park operations for Manitoba Conservation's eastern region, said the rain didn’t appear to discourage campers. Average campground occupancy was up about 1.2 per cent provincewide, especially in campgrounds a short drive from Winnipeg.

"You’ve gotta admit, we’ve got some of the hardiest campers out there," said Hallett.

Friday night was a relatively uneventful night, thanks in part to the ban on booze. Park staff screened 1,500 cars and nabbed 31 people trying to sneak booze into provincial campgrounds. Park wardens also later spotted campers at two sites consuming alcohol.

"Those campers got to leave," said Hallett.

Campers who braved the gloom today will earn lovely weather Sunday and Monday. It will be sunny with temperatures nearing 20 C in many parts of southern Manitoba.

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.

letters

Make text: Larger | Smaller

LATEST VIDEO

Claude Noel on the Jets' disappointing last game of the season

View more like this

Photo Store Gallery

  • PHIL.HOSSACK@FREEPRESS.MB.CA 101130-Winnipeg Free Press Columns of light reach skyward to the stars above Sanford Mb Tuesday night. The effect is produced by streetlights refracting through ice crystals suspended in the air on humid winter nights. Stand Up.....
  • A mother goose has chosen a rather busy spot to nest her eggs- in the parking lot of St Vital Centre on a boulevard. Countless cars buzz by and people have begun to bring it food.-Goose Challenge Day 06 - May 08, 2012   (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)

View More Gallery Photos

Poll

Will you go see the kangaroos at the Australian Outback zoo exhibit?

View Results

Ads by Google