Manitoba crew arrives in Alberta to join wildland fire fight

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This article was published 10/05/2023 (1260 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The government is closely monitoring local conditions, the natural resources minister says, as Manitoba firefighters arrive in Alberta to help tackle wildfires that have forced a state of emergency in the western Prairie province.

“It is critical that Manitoba lends support and resources to our neighbours in Alberta during this unprecedented start to their fire season,” Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt said in a statement Wednesday.

An air tanker group from Manitoba has arrived in Lac La Biche, Alta., along with eight personnel.

Nesbitt said the wildland firefighters will be assigned where they’re needed most.

Alberta has already logged 421 wildfires this year, with 76 considered active, according to government data.

In Manitoba, 16 wildfires have sparked this year to date, including two in province’s west in the past 24 hours, according to the government.

All 16 were human-caused, the province said, but none have been a concern to officials.

One air tanker group is active in Manitoba, with a second on standby.

The province warned Manitobans to be careful outdoors to avoid starting wildfires.

— Staff