The cause of the forest fire that has now consumed 200 hectares of land near Marchand has been determined

After their initial investigation, the Manitoba Wildfire Service found that the fire began where the Woodridge ATV Sandhogs’ route dubbed “Little Bigfoot Trail” entered a hydro line right of way. They believe the fire first ignited when a chunk of burning peat moss fell from the exhaust pipe of an off-road vehicle.

Manitoba Sustainable Development says the blaze was under control on Monday, but some small regions continue to smolder and are being monitored by provincial crews.

No charges have been laid in relation to the fire.