Water bombers attacked a two hectare grass fire near Marchand, about 80 km southeast of Winnipeg, Sunday. They hoped to knock it down before it could spread to the nearby pine forest.
Winds have died down in southern Manitoba, but fire officials say that the risk of fire is still high.
Crews were battling six new fires Saturday, bring the total number of fires this year to 80.
Tom Mirus, of the province's Fire Prevention Program, says that grass and trees need to green-up before conditions will improve.
On Friday the Manitoba government issued a fire warning for the long weekend.
Conservation officials say you need to be careful with outdoor activities as there is an extreme fire danger in many parts of the province.
A spokesperson for Manitoba Conservation says the risk for fires peaks in the afternoon when temperatures are highest.
Under the Wildfires Act, open fires are prohibited in Manitoba between April 1 and Nov. 15 unless you have a burning permit or use an approved fire pit in a provincial park.
Permits are available from local Manitoba Conservation offices.
Campers and backcountry travelers are also reminded to use provided fire pits or camp stoves when in wooded areas.
Marsh fire mainly knocked down
Fire fighters were able to knockdown a fire that was threatening the village of Libau north of Winnipeg Friday.
High winds and dry conditions had fuelled a marsh fire that was approaching the village.
Two Manitoba Conservation water bombers fought the fire from the air on Friday and 50 firefighters worked on the ground, as worried residents watched.
Many people who live in the area said they stayed home from work Friday to watch over their property.
At least two residents told CTV News fire crews waited too long before they took action.
The fire had been burning since Tuesday, and the smoke could be seen for kilometers.
"Last night the wind changed and [the fire] all came right back this way," said Jim Hyslop, who spoke with other residents concerned about the fire.
"[We] couldn't believe they waited so long before they attempted to put the thing out," he said.
"It's good for replenishing the marsh, but if it gets out of control like it has been today -- with 70 kilometer an hour winds -- it can be pretty devastating. [Especially] if it reaches our farmland here," said Roger Desautels.
Fire crews were busy fighting nine fires across the province Friday. Adding to the trouble was a house fire in Milner Ridge which spread to a nearby forest. Highway 214 was shut down for several hours.
