More restrictions come into effect today as wildfires continue to burn out of control in Manitoba.
Beginning at 8 am, Manitoba Wildfire Service (MWS) is implementing Level 3 fire and travel restrictions for the entire province within burn permit areas 1-22. That means all of northern Manitoba is under these restrictions, as well as everything east of Provincial Road 302 in southern Manitoba.
This means:
- Hiking trails and water routes are closed.
- Watercraft is restricted to landing and launching at developed shorelines only. Shore launches are prohibited.
- Camping is restricted to developed campground only. Wayside parks are open.
- Lodge access is permitted to main lodges. Access to outcamps and outfitters and commercial operators in backcountry areas must obtain a travel permit. Conditions may apply.
- Aircraft-use is permitted into lakes that have developed docks or shorelines.
- Industrial operations licensed fire-safe operations are permitted. Work hours may be restricted to avoid peak burning times.
- If access to the industrial operation requires travel on a non-designated or unrecognized road, travel permits will be issued under the discretion of the local conservation officer, taking into account the situation and fire hazard conditions.
- All burn permits are cancelled, no permits will be issued at this time.
- Burning exceptions for industry and agricultural purposes may be made with inspection from an officer.
Manitoba Parks advises Bakers Narrows Provincial Park campground is closed.
As of Friday, at 8 am, hiking trails and water routes in all provincial parks are closed until further notice.
Meanwhile, MWS continues to respond to 22 active wildfires across the province. There have been 103 wildfires so far this year in Manitoba, well above the average for this date of 80 total fires.
The fire near Bird River continues to burn out of control. It has consumed approximately 124,238 hectares of land. Provincial Road (PR) 315 is closed and blocked at Poplar Bay Road in the Bird River area, with no travel beyond that to Bird River and onwards up to PR 314 and Bissett.
The fire near Lac du Bonnet is under control. It has consumed approximately 4,008 hectares.
The fire near Ingolf along the Ontario border continues to burn out of control. It has consumed approximately 3,771 hectares on the Manitoba side of the border.
The fire near Flin Flon continues to burn out of control. It has consumed approximately 37,959 hectares. There is a mandatory evacuation alert for the city of Flin Flon.
Evacuees who do not have a place to stay are asked to proceed to the reception centre staffed by provincial Emergency Social Services (ESS) and the Canadian Red Cross at Billy Mosienko Arena, 709 Keewatin St., Winnipeg. This centre will be open 24 hours until further notice.
All evacuees are encouraged to register as soon as possible online at www.redcross.ca/2025manitobawildfires or by calling 1-800-863-6582 (toll-free) between 8 am and 10 pm CST. Registration with the Canadian Red Cross ensures people can be contacted while away from home and can be reached with information on services and assistance that may become available to them during this difficult time. Registration also helps the province ensure it can allocate supports where they are most needed.
To report a wildfire, call 911 or the TIP line toll-free at 1-800-782-0076.