Wildfire

The Canadian Armed Forces and Perimeter Aviation are working to evacuate residents from Cross Lake as an aggressive wildfire continues to threaten the Northern Manitoba community.

Pimicikamak Cree Nation (Cross Lake) remains under a serious threat as a fast-moving wildfire burns dangerously close to the community. In a Facebook post Friday, Chief David Monias said the fire now has eight heads and is beginning to surround the area.

There was no significant overnight growth of the out-of-control wildfire burning approximately 7.5 kilometres from the BC/Alberta border. The Evacuation Alert will remain in place.

The estimated 4,590-hectare Kiskatinaw River wildfire remains within BC and is located southwest of Kelly Lake, BC.

Winnipeg's mayor is encouraging Winnipeggers to donate to the Canadian Red Cross as out-of-control wildfires in northern Manitoba force over 17,000 Manitobans to evacuate to Winnipeg. 

"We know many families are arriving with little more than the clothes on their backs," said Mayor Scott Gillingham. "Our job now is to make sure they feel safe, supported, and welcomed."

To ensure a smooth response, the city has activated its Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate facilities and services for incoming evacuees.

Winnipeg is ready and set as thousands of Manitobans flock to Winnipeg due to wildfires burning out of control in northern Manitoba.

The province is encouraging evacuees to stay with friends and family first. 

However, if that is not an option, a reception centre staffed by provincial Emergency Social Services and the Canadian Red Cross has been set up at the Billy Mosienko Arena, 790 Keewatin St.

The centre opened at 9 p.m. on Wednesday and will remain open until everyone has found a place to stay.

Update: May 28, 2025, 5:15 p.m.: The wildfire in Catherine Estates at 720075 Range Road 95, west of Saskatoon Mountain, is now under control.

County Regional Fire Service crews remain on site to monitor and extinguish any hot spots. Alberta Wildfire crews have left the scene.  

County Regional Fire Service and Alberta Wildfire crews are responding to a fire in Catherine Estates at 720075 Range Road 95, west of Saskatoon Mountain.

Manitoba has declared a provincial state of emergency as dozens of wildfires continue to burn across the province, threatening communities, infrastructure, and natural resources.

An emergency alert issued Tuesday warns of rapidly spreading fires and extreme fire conditions, particularly in northern and eastern Manitoba, where several communities have already been evacuated or placed under evacuation alerts.

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.