Wildfires continue to rage across Manitoba, with 25 fires currently active and thousands displaced as officials respond to dangerous conditions across the province, according to the provincial government's latest fire bulletin Saturday evening.
The provincial state of emergency remains in effect, and authorities warn that human activity and hot, dry weather are fuelling extreme fire behaviour.
East Region
Manitoba continues to face extreme wildfire conditions, with multiple major fires burning in the east. Fire EA061, located about one kilometre from Bird River, spans 185,400 hectares and remains out of control. Provincial Road 315 is closed at Tall Timber Road, and a mandatory evacuation is now in place for the community of Bissett. Fire EA062, situated six kilometres from Lac du Bonnet, is about 4,008 hectares and has been brought under control. Another fire, EA063, on the Ontario border near Ingolf, covers 3,771 hectares on the Manitoba side and about 31,300 hectares in Ontario. It remains out of control. This fire originated in Ontario and is referred to there as KEN#020.
In response to these fires, backcountry travel and campfires are banned in all eastern burn permit zones under Level 3 restrictions. All trails and water routes are closed, and only developed campgrounds remain open. Provincial parks in affected areas are also closed. Manitobans are advised to prepare emergency kits and remain ready to evacuate on short notice.
South Region
While the release did not detail specific active fires in the southern region, fire conditions remain extreme and the wildfire risk is high. South-central Manitoba, including provincial parks and recreational areas, is under the same strict Level 3 fire and travel restrictions. This includes a full burn ban and travel permit requirements for any access to backcountry or non-designated areas.
Southern Manitoba is also assisting with the wildfire response. Emergency Social Services (ESS) and the Canadian Red Cross have established reception centres and shelters for evacuees in southern communities such as Winnipeg, Winkler, and Portage la Prairie. The Billy Mosienko Arena in Winnipeg is the central 24-hour reception centre.
Residents across the south are encouraged to stay updated through the Manitoba Wildfire Service website and check MB511 for road closures. The provincewide state of emergency remains in effect until at least June 26.
North Region
The northern region has been hardest hit by the wildfire crisis. The Manitoba Wildfire Service is responding to several out-of-control fires threatening multiple communities:
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Fire NO002 near Lynn Lake has reached 46,300 hectares and has forced a mandatory evacuation of the town.
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Fire NO005, affecting Pimicikamak Cree Nation (Cross Lake), Jenpeg Generating Station and Whiskey Jack Landing, is approximately 3,300 hectares and out of control.
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Fire NO006, just five kilometres from Cross Lake, spans about 2,300 hectares and is also out of control.
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Fire NO010, west of Split Lake, is 4,000 hectares and not contained.
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Fire NO007, near Wabowden, is under control at 37 hectares.
Multiple agencies, including the Canadian Armed Forces, are assisting with evacuations. Over 8,900 Manitobans have registered with the Canadian Red Cross, with many being relocated from Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, Pimicikamak Cree Nation, and other communities. The Red Cross reports over 3,500 households have been displaced, with shelters now operational in Thompson and other cities.
Evacuees without housing are urged to register at www.redcross.ca/2025manitobawildfires or by calling 1-800-863-6582. Registration ensures they receive appropriate support and assistance.
West Region
Western Manitoba is also experiencing extreme fire conditions, with several fires of note:
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Fire WE015, near Cranberry Portage in the RM of Kelsey, is being held at 40 hectares, but the community has been evacuated due to nearby danger.
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Fire WE017, located 14 km from Sherridon, is one of the largest at approximately 112,200 hectares and remains out of control.
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Fire WE021/26, near Easterville, is 46 hectares and out of control.
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Fire WE023, eight km from Wanless, spans 2,100 hectares and is out of control.
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Fire WE024, just two km from Flin Flon, is 38,000 hectares and uncontained.
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Fire WE025, near Pukatawagan, covers 9,800 hectares and is also out of control.
Due to the fire near Flin Flon, the Bakers Narrows Provincial Park campground has been closed and evacuation orders issued. The risk of strong winds in western Manitoba this weekend could further intensify fire spread.
Manitobans across the western region are urged to follow all burn bans and restrictions. No permits will be issued, and aircraft access is limited to lakes with developed docks. Municipalities have also enacted additional local restrictions.
Provincial Summary
To date, 106 wildfires have been recorded in Manitoba—well above the seasonal average of 82. With hot and dry conditions expected to persist, officials urge all Manitobans to remain alert, follow emergency guidelines, and avoid any activities that could spark new fires.
For real-time updates and restriction maps, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire.
-With files from Mike Thom.