Four homes, bridge destroyed by southern Manitoba grass fires

Manitoba fire departments have continued to fight grass fires that began earlier in the week in the southeast part of the province, after four homes and a timber bridge were destroyed.  

Four homes in and around the town of Vita burned late in the day Oct. 2, the provincial government said in an update.

Up to five local fire authorities had been working overnight to contain a fire in that area, depending on the time. The fire reportedly settled down overnight from lower winds and cooler temperatures, according to the province.

Vita residents were allowed to return home in the evening of Oct. 2, with about 20 residences remaining evacuated in the Rural Municipality of Stuartburn, the province said.

A timber bridge west of Vita was also destroyed and the province said repairs will begin soon.

A local state of emergency has been declared for Ross, in the municipality of Tache, where 40 homes were evacuated overnight on Oct. 2 to Ste. Genevieve because of smoke and fire concerns.

“Municipal and provincial staff members continue to address fires near St. Malo and the municipalities of Grahamdale and St. Laurent,” a government statement said.

High winds remain a concern, although rain forecasts could provide some relief over the next two days, it noted.

The Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship is providing three water bombers to help fight the fires near Vita and Ross, the government update said.

Certain travel restrictions are also still in place in the province.