The province has provided an update on the current wildfire situation.
Manitoba is currently facing one of the largest wildfire-related evacuations in its history. As of today, 28 wildfires are burning across the province, with 10 still classified as out of control. So far, there have been 114 wildfires reported.
The provincial government anticipates a growing demand for hotel accommodations. In response, officials are asking Canadians to reconsider non-essential travel and event plans within the province to help free up space and resources.
With thousands of Manitobans displaced, the province, alongside its partners, is working quickly to secure accommodations that meet the comfort, medical, and family needs of evacuees.
27 communities across the province remain evacuated due to wildfire threats, with an additional six communities evacuated because of smoke-related impacts. Approximately 21,000 individuals have registered as evacuees with the Canadian Red Cross.
Rain and cooler temperatures over the weekend have helped slow the spread and improve conditions in some areas.
Several of the out-of-control fires remain dangerously close to communities. Fire crews are focusing on securing the flanks near those communities, setting up and maintaining structure protection, and patrolling for any new spot fires.
Fire NO002 near Lynn Lake is approximately 71,000 hectares.
Fire NO005 in the vicinity of Jenpeg and Cross Lake Pimicikamak Cree Nation is over 58,000 hectares.
Fire NO010 at Split Lake to Tataskwayak Cree Nation is approximately 21,000 hectares.
Fire NO061 in the Nopiming area has now grown to over 203,000 hectares. The main focus is on the Davidson Lake area, where crews are working to strengthen and secure the fire’s perimeter on all sides.
Fire NO063, located on the Ontario border near Ingolf is approximately 6,549 hectares on the Manitoba side of the border and 36,000 hectares in Ontario.
Fire NO017 around Flin Flon and Sheriden is estimated to be over 307,000 hectares and remains the largest fire in the province.
The province says the overall objective is to allow residents to return home as soon as it is safe to do so. However, the fire remains out of control, and with warmer, drier weather expected later this week, flare-ups are still likely.
Fire NO025 located near Pukatawagan (Mathias Colomb Cree Nation) is now over 55,000 hectares.
Fire NO028 near Bakers Narrows Provincial Park is over 5,000 hectares on the Manitoba side.
To support firefighting efforts, around 300 personnel from across Canada and the United States have joined Manitoba’s teams. Additional U.S. crews are expected to arrive today.
Three reception centres have been established in Winnipeg, Brandon, and Thompson, along with four congregate shelters located in Winnipeg, Thompson, Nelson House, and Sagkeeng.
Despite recent rainfall in many parts of the province over the weekend, officials caution that the fire risk remains high. Much of the rain only wets the surface vegetation, and with warmer temperatures or high winds, moisture can evaporate quickly. The public is urged to stay informed about burning restrictions and travel bans in their area, and to continue respecting them.
Manitoba continues at Level 3 for fire and travel restrictions across much of the province including all provincial parks and all burn permit areas (areas 1 to 22). A full burn ban is in place. Campfires are prohibited even in approved pits.
Backcountry travel is prohibited without a permit, and trails and backcountry water routes in all provincial parks are closed. Many provincial parks remain closed.
Human activity continues to significantly contribute to Manitoba’s wildfire situation, and since May 1, conservation officers in Manitoba have laid 74 charges and issued 28 warnings for wildfire-related infractions.
To support evacuees and residents in wildfire-affected zones, the province has launched the Manitoba Ready Portal at mbready.manitoba.ca. The portal provides up-to-date information on wildfire activity, shelter locations, and services available to evacuees. It will continue to be updated as the situation develops.
Anyone who has not yet registered as an evacuee is encouraged to do so. You can register by visiting the Canadian Red Cross Wildfire Response page or by calling 1-800-863-6582 between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Donations can also be made through the 2025 Manitoba Wildfires Appeal.
The provincial state of emergency under the Emergency Measures Act is in effect until June 26.
To report a wildfire, call 911 or the TIP line toll-free at 1-800-782-0076.