The Manitoba Wildfire Service says there are currently 45 wildfires burning in the province, including 10 that started in the last 24 hours.

That is up from 39 wildfires including 3 that started in the same timeframe, reported on Friday (July 15).

The Wildfire Service says the level of risk for wildfires is moderate to high throughout Manitoba, as some precipitation has helped conditions in the southern half of the province, however the northwest corner remains a concern.

A fire less than a kilometre east of the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation is about 23-thousand hectares in size, crews are on the ground to protect homes and critical infrastructure and residents have evacuated. Smoke is affecting the ability of water bombers to extinguish the fire, but efforts are continuing.

A fire 8 kilometres northwest of Pukatawagan is nearly 3-thousand hectares in size, and while it is 4 kilometres away from the hydro line and railway access, officials say it’s not an immediate threat at this time.

The fire 40 kilometres south of The Pas is being held and remains at 170 hectares in size.

Air quality statements remain for parts of northwestern Manitoba due to smoke.

More information can be found here, and a map of wildfires in the province can be found here.