Wildfire threats snuff out Canada Day fireworks displays in some parts of the province

Ongoing wildfire concerns and restrictions will prevent some Manitobans from enjoying traditional Canada Day fireworks this year.

The province still has fire restrictions in effect in the eastern and northern regions. And many municipalities have imposed bans, as well.

Lac du Bonnet-area residents will go without this year.

“We’ve had fireworks for 30 years; we’ve got a lot of disappointed people,” Roland Simard, an executive member of the Lion’s Club in the town, said Wednesday.

Some parts of the community were hard hit by the fires; a couple who got trapped by flames were killed.

Simard said the fireworks will be rescheduled sometime later this summer.

“We’re looking at cooling weather now, and we’ve had a lot of rain but it is better to be safe than sorry. The Lions respect the fire ban. There has been loss in the community — both property and even life,” he said.

“It is unfortunate we have to cancel… but it is also respectful for us to do it.”

But Canada Day will be celebrated; the community will hold a parade, a pancake breakfast and other events.

The Municipality of Alexander, which takes in several cottage communities, including Hillside Beach, Traverse Bay, Belair and Gull Lake, has posted a reminder on its website that the fire ban continues, including a prohibition on fireworks “even for Canada Day celebrations.”

“We understand this is disappointing, but the risk of wildfire is too high and safety must come first,” it says.

At least one community along the west side of Lake Winnipeg will have fireworks.

Jodi Mitchell, the CAO of the Town of Winnipeg Beach, said the display will go ahead Monday night at 10:45.

Mitchell said there had been an overall fire ban in place but it has been lifted.

Mitchell said residents can’t legally have their own fireworks displays unless a licensed technician is conducting the show and they have a permit signed by the local fire chief.

The town has also restricted open-air fires to non-combustible pits enclosed on all sides and covered with grates or mesh.

Mike Chudd, the volunteer fire chief for the RM of Gimli, said as of Wednesday, a public display of fireworks was approved but that still could change before the weekend.

“I signed off on it with a caveat two weeks ago that if we are still in a fire ban, they would automatically be cancelled,” Chudd said.

Winnipeg will have public fireworks displays at Buhler Recreation Park, presented by the Transcona BIZ, as well as at the free Canada Day Celebration event at Princess Auto Stadium.

The bans have, as would be expected, put a damper on business for people who sell the colourful explosives.

“Our sales have been really down for the walk-in trade,” said Kelly Guile, owner of Archangel Fireworks.

“I would call that responsible. But I’m hoping, now that they are beginning to lift the bans, they will come back. July 1st is our biggest day. It is necessary and we have built our business around it for 30 years.

“I’m praying for rain every day.”

Archangel’s retail manager Taylor Jackson said one disappointed couple had to cancel a fireworks display planned for their wedding.

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca