SERDC Emergency Response

06/06/2026

Weather Outlook for Sunday, June 7

Environment Canada has issued an Orange Weather Alert for parts of Manitoba on Sunday. At this time, there is the potential for strong thunderstorms to develop during the afternoon and evening hours.

The main concerns could include:
• Strong winds
• Heavy rain
• Frequent lightning
• Large hail in some areas

This does not mean severe weather will occur everywhere, but it is a good reminder to stay weather aware and keep an eye on local forecasts throughout the day.

A few simple things you can do:
✅ Secure loose outdoor items
✅ Charge your phone and devices
✅ Have flashlights ready in case of a power outage
✅ Move indoors if thunderstorms approach

We will continue to monitor conditions and share updates if necessary.

Stay safe and enjoy your weekend!

06/04/2026

🌫️ WHY ARE WE MONITORING AIR QUALITY? 🌫️

You may have noticed air quality information being shared during wildfire season. One of the tools we use is called a PurpleAir monitor.

PurpleAir monitors measure tiny particles in the air known as PM2.5. These particles are commonly produced by wildfire smoke and can affect your health, even when smoke is not easily visible.

Why is this important?

✅ Provides real-time air quality information for our community

✅ Helps identify when wildfire smoke is increasing or improving

✅ Supports decisions about outdoor activities and community events

✅ Helps protect Elders, infants, children, pregnant women, and people with asthma, COPD, or heart conditions

✅ Assists emergency management officials in monitoring conditions and planning for community safety

Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds of kilometers from a fire. Even if a wildfire is not close to our community, smoke can still impact air quality and health.

When air quality worsens, consider:
• Limiting strenuous outdoor activities
• Keeping windows and doors closed when possible
• Using air conditioning or air filtration if available
• Checking on Elders and vulnerable family members
• Following guidance from community leadership and health officials

There are currently Purple Air Monitors in Brokenhead, Bloodvein, Poplar River, and Little Grand Rapids. We are working on getting monitors installed in each community to provide you with real time air quality information. To view the information go to https://map.purpleair.com

Monitoring air quality helps us make informed decisions and keep our communities safe during wildfire season.

Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay safe.

Watch: With two minute updates, PurpleAir sensors are small, easy to install and require only power and WiFi.

06/02/2026

As mentioned earlier this afternoon, there is the risk of severe thunderstorms across Southern Manitoba tomorrow, with the greatest risk expected to be in Southwestern Manitoba. The greatest threat from severe thunderstorms tomorrow is looking to be large hail, damaging wind gusts, and heavy downpours. There is also the possibility of rotating storms, with a slight risk a tornado developing.

After some summer-like conditions over the past few days (today’s cooler temperatures in the southwest corner of Manitoba notwithstanding), the heat will be broken tomorrow by a cold front that will track through the province. This cold front will be the catalyst for the development of severe thunderstorms that are expected to impact Southern Manitoba tomorrow.

Thunderstorms are expected to begin moving into Southwestern Manitoba during the late morning to early afternoon hours. As they track northeastward into the Interlake Region, they should weaken, but there will be an isolated severe risk.

Additional thunderstorms are expected to follow the first round through to the early morning hours on Wednesday. These trailing storms are expected to spread eastward, however, as the storms eventually move into Southeastern Manitoba during the late evening and overnight, there should only be an isolated severe risk. Any overnight storms should then dissipate by sunrise.

At this point, there is still a lack of agreement between weather models so we can’t confidently provide greater detail regarding timing for more localized areas. That being said, the strongest storms are expected to impact Westman and parts of the Parkland Region, and towards the Red River Valley from the late morning to the mid-evening. The Interlake will likely see storms beginning in the late afternoon and they could continue into the late evening or past midnight. For Winnipeg and eastward, the storms are looking to arrive during the evening, and they could last until just before sunrise.

For now, we have a preliminary forecast map to share, and we will have a final forecast out later tonight or first thing tomorrow morning.

- Alannah

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05/30/2026

FIRE BULLETIN #2

With a hot and dry forecast this weekend, the Manitoba Wildfire Service is advising that the fire danger level in the province is currently high to very high. The Manitoba Wildfire Service encourages Manitobans to enjoy the weekend safely and with fire prevention in mind.

Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization reports that smoke and fire activity from nine small wildfires, covering approximately 10 hectares (ha) in the Rural Municipality of Kelsey between Cranberry Portage and Wanless, resulted in the temporary closure of Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 10 on Thursday, May 28 from approximately 5 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

The Hudson Bay Railway, which runs parallel to PTH 10, had a train in the area with 58 passengers from Mathias Colomb Cree Nation. Train travel was disrupted and passengers were offered hotel rooms for the night and alternate transportation home today.

Campfires are now restricted in Stephenfield Provincial Park, with no burning permitted between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. This restriction is in place due to a heavy accumulation of poplar seeds around campsites that may ignite from sparks during hot, dry periods. For updates on restrictions in provincial parks, visit www.manitobaparks.com.

Fires of Note
The Manitoba Wildfire Service is responding to 18 active wildfires across the province, with a total of 33 wildfires to date, below the average of 82 fires for this date.

Fires of note include:

Fire WE003, located one kilometre (km) from Easterville, is approximately 400 ha. Ground crews and heavy equipment are making progress and the fire is being held.
Fire WE006, located 20 km from Cranberry Portage, is approximately 10 ha and is out of control.
Fire EA017, located in Whiteshell Provincial Park, is approximately eight ha and is being held.
General Wildfire Information
Human activity is a significant contributing factor to wildfires in the province, but all Manitobans can do their part to help prevent wildfires. This includes:

Keep all campfires in approved pits such as those found in provincial park campsites and check with the campground office for any campfire restrictions.
Never leave a campfire unattended and always fully extinguish fires by drowning ashes and embers with water before leaving. This includes safely disposing of ashes from wood stoves and charcoal briquettes.
Do not burn if it is windy, as wind can blow embers and ash.
If operating an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), use only designated trails in provincial parks and regularly check for debris in areas around the engine and exhaust system, disposing of any materials safely.
Prevent sparks by checking and maintaining all equipment, including vehicle tires, trailers and off-road vehicles, and any other equipment traveling along roadways. Also check safety chains on trailers and make sure they are well off the ground before driving.
Be prepared to safely extinguish small fires by carrying a fire extinguisher, axe and shovel when travelling in the backcountry.

Experience the rich cultural heritage and enjoy the spectacular beauty of our provincial parks. More than four million incredible hectares of land and water set aside in 92 provincial parks protected for your enjoyment. Choose from lush boreal forests, perfect prairie parklands, intriguing historic....

05/28/2026

3:16p HEAT WARNING (YELLOW LEVEL) UPDATED by Environment Canada

DATE: Thursday, May 28, 2026

(Locations listed below description)

Impact level: Moderate
Forecast confidence: High

Daytime highs in the low to mid-thirties combined with overnight lows in the high teens are expected into early next week.

Take action to protect yourself and others - extreme heat can affect everyone's health. Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day.

Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 9-1-1 or your emergency health provider if you, or someone around you, is showing signs of heat stroke which can include Red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness. While you wait for medical attention, try to cool the person by moving them to a cool place, removing extra clothing, applying cold water or ice packs around the body.

Drink water often and before you feel thirsty to replace fluids.

Close blinds, or shades and open windows if outside is cooler than inside.

Turn on air conditioning, use a fan, or move to a cooler area of your living space. If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling Centre, community Centre, library or shaded Park.

Follow the advice of your Region's public health authority.

Plan and schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day.

Limit direct exposure to the sun and heat. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.

Never leave people, especially children, or pets inside a parked vehicle. Check the vehicle before locking to make sure no one is left behind.

Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

Extreme heat affects everyone. Heat illnesses are preventable. To reduce the health effects of heat:

- take a cool shower or bath or take a break in a cool location, such as an air-conditioned building or a tree-shaded area. - stay out of direct sunlight and wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and a wide-brimmed hat or shade yourself with an umbrella. - drink Plenty of water, before you feel thirsty and stay in a cool place. If you must go out, take water with you. - keep your House cool. Block the sun out by closing curtains, blinds, and awnings during the day - never leave people or pets in a parked vehicle. - check on family, friends and neighbours. Check regularly on people living alone, especially older individuals or people with health conditions. Make sure they are cool and drinking water. - watch for the effects of heat illness: Swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, and the worsening of some health conditions. - watch for signs of heat stroke (which may begin with headache, hot skin, dizziness or confusion) and take action immediately.

For more information:

For more information on heat and your health: - visit Manitoba health at:

- call health links - info sante at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.

For more information specific to workplaces and heat strain, visit

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.

End/paspc

UPDATED:

- Bissett
- Buffalo Point Res. and Northwest Angle Prov. Forest
- Cartwright-Roblin Mun. incl. Mather
- City Of Winnipeg
- City of Brandon
- Duck Mountain Prov. Park and Prov. Forest
- Falcon Lake and West Hawk Lake
- Gilbert Plains Mun. incl. Ashville
- Grandview Mun. incl. Valley River Res.
- Hamiota Mun. incl. McConnell and Lavinia
- Jackhead Res.
- L.G. of Pinawa incl. Seven Sisters Falls
- Manigotagan Black River Res. and Hollow Water Res.
- Moose Creek Prov. Forest Pine Dock and Matheson Island
- Mossey River Mun. incl. Winnipegosis and Fork River
- Mun. of Bifrost-Riverton incl. Arborg Hnausa and Hecla
- Mun. of Boissevain-Morton incl. Turtle Mtn Prov. Park
- Mun. of Brenda-Waskada incl. Medora and Goodlands
- Mun. of Clanwilliam-Erickson
- Mun. of Deloraine-Winchester
- Mun. of Emerson-Franklin incl. Roseau River
- Mun. of Ethelbert incl. Garland
- Mun. of Glenboro-South Cypress incl. Treesbank
- Mun. of Glenella-Lansdowne incl. Arden and Tenby
- Mun. of Grassland incl. Hartney and Minto
- Mun. of Harrison Park incl. Onanole Sandy Lake and Newdale
- Mun. of Killarney-Turtle Mountain
- Mun. of Lorne incl. Notre Dame and Swan Lake
- Mun. of Louise incl. Pilot Mound and Crystal City
- Mun. of McCreary incl. Norgate
- Mun. of Minitonas-Bowsman incl. Renwer
- Mun. of Norfolk Treherne
- Mun. of North Cypress-Langford incl. Neepawa and Carberry
- Mun. of North Norfolk incl. MacGregor Sidney and Austin
- Mun. of Oakland-Wawanesa incl. Carroll
- Mun. of Pembina incl. Manitou La Rivière and Snowflake
- Mun. of Rhineland incl. Altona Plum Coulee and Gretna
- Mun. of Roblin incl. Makaroff Shortdale and Bield
- Mun. of Russell-Binscarth incl. Gambler Res.
- Mun. of Souris-Glenwood
- Mun. of Ste. Rose incl. Laurier
- Mun. of Swan Valley West incl. Benito
- Mun. of Two Borders incl. Melita Coulter and Tilston
- Mun. of WestLake-Gladstone incl. Plumas and Langruth
- Nopiming Prov. Park
- Peguis Res. and Fisher River Res.
- Pelican Rapids and Shoal River First Nations
- Pointe du Bois
- Porcupine Prov. Forest
- Prairie View Mun. incl. Birdtail Sioux Res.
- R.M. of Alexander incl. Powerview-Pine Falls
- R.M. of Alonsa incl. Ebb and Flow Res. and Sandy Bay Res.
- R.M. of Argyle incl. Baldur Glenora and Greenway
- R.M. of Armstrong incl. Chatfield Inwood and Narcisse
- R.M. of Brokenhead incl. Beausejour and Garson
- R.M. of Cartier incl. Elie St. Eustache and Springstein
- R.M. of Coldwell incl. Lundar and Clarkleigh
- R.M. of Cornwallis west of Shilo incl. Chater
- R.M. of Dauphin incl. Sifton and Valley River
- R.M. of De Salaberry incl. St-Pierre-Jolys and St. Malo
- R.M. of Dufferin incl. Carman Roseisle and Homewood
- R.M. of East St. Paul incl. Birds Hill
- R.M. of Ellice-Archie incl. St-Lazare McAuley and Manson
- R.M. of Elton incl. Forrest
- R.M. of Fisher incl. Poplarfield
- R.M. of Gimli incl. Winnipeg Beach and Arnes
- R.M. of Grahamdale incl. Gypsumville Moosehorn and Camper
- R.M. of Grey incl. St. Claude Elm Creek and Fannystelle
- R.M. of Hanover incl. Steinbach Niverville and Grunthal
- R.M. of Headingley
- R.M. of La Broquerie incl. Marchand
- R.M. of Lac Du Bonnet
- R.M. of Lakeshore incl. Ochre River and Makinak
- R.M. of Lakeshore incl. Rorketon and Toutes Aides
- R.M. of Macdonald incl. Brunkild Starbuck and La Salle
- R.M. of Minto-Odanah incl. Minnedosa and Moore Park
- R.M. of Montcalm incl. St. Jean Baptiste
- R.M. of Morris incl. Rosenort and Aubigny
- R.M. of Mountain including Cowan and Camperville
- R.M. of Mountain including Mafeking and Birch River
- R.M. of Oakview incl. Oak River and Rapid City
- R.M. of Piney incl. Sandilands and Sprague
- R.M. of Pipestone incl. Oak Lake Res.
- R.M. of Portage la Prairie incl. St. Ambroise
- R.M. of Prairie Lakes incl. Margaret Ninette and Belmont
- R.M. of Reynolds incl. Ste. Rita Hadashville and Rennie
- R.M. of Riding Mountain West incl. Asessippi Prov. Park
- R.M. of Ritchot incl. St. Adolphe and Ste. Agathe
- R.M. of Rockwood incl. Teulon Stonewall and Stony Mountain
- R.M. of Roland incl. Jordan and Myrtle
- R.M. of Rosedale incl. Eden and Kelwood
- R.M. of Rosser incl. Meadows
- R.M. of Sifton incl. Oak Lake and Deleau
- R.M. of Springfield incl. Anola and Birds Hill Prov. Park
- R.M. of St. Andrews incl. Selkirk Lockport and Ponemah
- R.M. of St. Clements incl. Grand Beach Brokenhead and Libau
- R.M. of St. François Xavier
- R.M. of St. Laurent incl. Oak Point
- R.M. of Stanley incl. Winkler and Morden
- R.M. of Ste. Anne incl. Richer
- R.M. of Stuartburn incl. Zhoda Vita and. Sundown
- R.M. of Tache incl. Lorette Ste-Geneviève and Landmark
- R.M. of Thompson incl. Miami Rosebank and Deerwood
- R.M. of Victoria Beach
- R.M. of Victoria incl. Holland and Cypress River
- R.M. of Wallace-Woodworth incl. Virden Elkhorn and Kenton
- R.M. of West Interlake incl. Eriksdale and Ashern
- R.M. of West St. Paul incl. Middlechurch and Rivercrest
- R.M. of Whitehead incl. Alexander and Beresford
- R.M. of Whitemouth incl. Elma
- R.M. of Woodlands incl. Warren and Lake Francis
- R.M. of Yellowhead incl. Shoal Lake and Elphinstone
- Riding Mountain Nat. Park
- Riverdale Mun. incl. Rivers and Wheatland
- Rossburn Mun. incl. Waywayseecappo Res.
- Shoal Lake Reserves
- Westgate Red Deer Lake and Barrows

05/27/2026

05/19/2026

“Cultural burns are about more than fire. They’re about living with the land.” 🔥

As conversations around cultural burning grow, terms like “cultural fire” and “prescribed burns” are increasingly being used interchangeably. But not all fire is the same. And the words we use matter. The latest from our senior fire advisor provides a starting point to help clarify what defines these fire management methods–and how they benefit the land.

Click this link to dive deep into the topic of cultural fire vs prescribed burns: https://www.ilinationhood.ca/blog/is-it-a-cultural-burn-or-a-prescribed-fire

05/15/2026

Congratulations to Poplar River Fire Department on the successful completion of your Ground Search and Rescue Training.