Fire Suppression staff in the Northeast Region continue to make progress in controlling the fires that have been reported in the Leaf Rapids and Lynn Lake areas of the province. Some rain is forecast for the area in the next 24 hours which should aid in the fire suppression operation.

The Provincial fire team assigned to the area is working closely with the district offices with initial attack on new starts assigned to the district and the ongoing suppression operation on the large fires assigned to the team. The major fire concerns at this time are:

The Goldsand Lake area, 4 fires between 40 and 500 ha each that could threaten the tourist lodge on Goldsand Lake. Last evening, with temperatures in the 10 degree zone, continuous crown fire activity was observed on these fires. Backburn operations are planned for this area today.

Eager Lake fire 1500 ha, Southwest of Lynn Lake, could threaten the Lodge on McGavock Lake and cabins in the Dunphy Lake area. Aerial ignition is planned on this fire today on the north flank of the fire.

Nail Lake fire 450 ha, south of Lynn Lake, is being contained. This fire adjacent to PR 396 has caused the closure of this road since last Thursday.

Fire 142 along the Saskatchewan/Manitoba border that came into Manitoba is approximately 10,000 ha on the Manitoba side. This fire is being monitored and will likely receive some back burn suppression action within the next 24-48 hours.

Fire 168 is 320 ha approximately 1 1/2 miles north of Provincial Road 391 near Barrington Lake, is receiving continued fire suppression.

Additional suppression staff and equipement is being moved into the area today to assist in the fire control efforts.

Fire staff extinguished 8 fires in the past 24 hours with 66 fires still burning. Action is being taken on 34 fires; 15 under control and 19 still listed as out of control, 32 fires in the observation zone continue to be monitored.

Elsewhere in the Province fire conditions remain stable with no active fires reported. Lightning has occurred across the entire Province overnite and concentrated detection is occurring.