Crews continue to battle a forest fire in the Whiteshell.

The fire broke out Wednesday in South Whiteshell and is impacting the areas of Toniata, West Hawk Lake and Star Lake. The last report is that it is 50 hectares in size.

According to the Whiteshell Cottagers Association, Manitoba Parks has confirmed that no water bombers are on site and that winds are calm this morning.

To date, there have been no evacuations, though cottagers around Star Lake and West Hawk Lake were told earlier this week to be prepared for an evacuation if conditions change.

The public is being asked to respect all barricades. Barricades are being put up on trailheads and the public is asked not to walk around them.

The Hunt Lake Trail was closed as a precaution, however, on Thursday afternoon Manitoba Conservation and Climate announced that effective immediately in all provincial parks south of the 53rd parallel all backcountry trails and water routes are closed to public access until further notice including hiking, equestrian, mountain biking and motorized vehicles.