Extremely dry conditions have led Manitoba Conservation officials to issue a ban on all fires and burning permits in eastern Manitoba.

Officials say the very dry conditions put the area in high danger for forest fires. The conditions are also such that flames could be spread quickly by wind, igniting large areas.

The ban includes campfires in provincial parks. In addition, all burning permits that have been issued have been cancelled. New burning permits will not be issued.

The province says all forest, mining and quarry operations will only be allowed to operate from 8 p.m. until noon the next day.

The eastern region spans from the Manitoba border in the south to Bissett and Hollow Water in the north, and east of La Broquerie, Richer and the Brokenhead Ojibway First Nation and along the eastern edge of Lake Winnipeg to the Ontario border.

The affected area includes all Whiteshell provincial parks, the North-West Angle Provincial Forest and Sandilands Provincial Forest.

The ban comes after a small forest fire forced the evacuation of a campground in the Whiteshell on Monday.

The province sent a helicopter and two waterbombers to extinguish the fire in the Nutimik Lake Campground area before campers were allowed back in.

Officials say anyone in, or passing through, the area should be extremely careful and avoid starting any fires.

Fires can be reported to Manitoba Conservation by calling 1-800-782-0076.