Wildfire

A rapidly growing wildfire near the Saskatchewan border in Northern Manitoba has prompted a mandatory evacuation order for the entire community of Flin Flon.

The wildfire, identified as Fire WE024, was first detected on Monday near the community of Creighton, Sask., and has since ballooned in size. As of Wednesday afternoon, the estimated area is 20,000 hectares and is now threatening the community.

Southland Church has shared an encouraging update as wildfires continue to burn dangerously close, just one kilometre from the Bird River Bible Camp property.

In a video posted on social media, Southland Church Lead Pastor Stefan Duerksen gives a praise report.

"The camp is standing. We have blue skies at the camp," said Duerksen. "We have green grass. We have trees and buildings. Everything looks perfect, and for that, we need to praise the Lord. That is a huge miracle. We are very grateful for that."

However, Duerksen says there is still a huge need for prayer.

A pre-alert evacuation notice has been issued for the City of Flin Flon as a wildfire draws close to the community. 

The northern Manitoba city issued the alert at 7:40 p.m. after a fire broke out nearby. 

The city says the pre-alert was issued due to the dry conditions and the proximity of the fires. 

Residents are encouraged to be prepared and ready to act if an evacuation is called. They say it could occur on short notice if the situation escalates.

Wildfire conditions across Manitoba remain severe, with the province battling 18 active fires and danger levels ranging from high to extreme in many areas. Officials are urging residents to adhere strictly to fire and travel restrictions and to be prepared for sudden evacuation orders.

Over 300 people have been evacuated from Pimicikamak Cree Nation as a wildfire approaches near the northern Manitoba community. 

As a precaution, 216 people were evacuated to Winnipeg and 86 to Thompson on Saturday. 

55 firefighters have worked around the clock battling the blaze, and as of Sunday, Chief David Monais said the fire was considered stable. However, according to the province's fire status report, the fire continues to burn out of control, reaching 1,500 hectares.

While wildfires in eastern Manitoba remain out of control, officials say progress on suppression efforts has allowed limited access to resume in parts of Whiteshell Provincial Park.

As of 9 a.m. Sunday, permanent residents, cottagers, commercial operators and daytime visitors are permitted to return to the Pointe du Bois area, including Provincial Road (PR) 313. However, Manitoba Parks warns the wildfire risk remains high and conditions could change quickly.

A special air quality statement is in effect for southeastern Manitoba, including Winnipeg, as a raging wildfire continues to burn in Nopiming Provincial Park. 

Environment Canada says smoke from the massive wildfire that has grown to over 101,000 hectares will spread downward throughout the day. 

Thick smoke will begin pouring into Winnipeg and southern Manitoba this afternoon. The thickest smoke will hit late into the evening and early Saturday morning.

Effective at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, May 5, 2025, the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service will be issuing a Fire Ban for the entire County, along with the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley. The Fire Ban replaces the former Fire Restriction issued on April 30.  

Update: 8:30 May 6, 2025::

County Regional Fire Service crews remained on scene of the Deer Ridge Estates Wildfire overnight last night and into today, scanning the area with a thermal imaging drone and actioning hotspots. The wildfire continues to be classified as being held.

The City of Fort St John announced this morning on its Facebook page that evacuees can return to their homes this morning, but Fish Creek Community Forest remains closed.

The wildfire is moving northeast, away from Fort St. John.

BC Wildfire Service has taken over firefighting efforts from the Fort St. John Fire Department.

Updates will be shared as they become available.