mbwildfires2025

The Ste. Anne Fire Department is thanking residents for respecting the ongoing fire ban as crews have been busy assisting with wildfires across Eastern Manitoba. 

“First of all, the Ste. Anne Fire Department would like to thank everyone who followed the burn ban to help make our jobs easier,” says Fire Chief Bob Saindon. “We did have a few smaller fires over the past few weeks with minimal damage.” 

Cottage owners and disaster prevention experts in Manitoba are urging governments to develop comprehensive wildfire management plans after a pair of devastating wildfires.

Close to 1,000 people were forced from their homes last week as a wildfire near the Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet, spurred by dry, hot and windy conditions, burned nearby.

The quick-moving fire, which is currently being held, destroyed 28 homes and cottages and left two people dead.

It has been a harrowing two weeks for many with connections to wildfires in Manitoba.

In Lac du Bonnet, where a wildfire continues to burn, residents and cottagers have been living in a state of emotional whiplash.

"It’s just been 10 days of emotional highs and lows," says Ken Heinrichs, who owns a cabin in the area.

"You’re thinking, 'OK, this is our only summer place. It’s not our permanent residence.' Then you hear reports of people passing away, and that really hits home."

The Manitoba Wildfire Service says winds are creating challenges for crews battling fires in the Whiteshell. 

Evacuees from Woodridge are back home now—and for one resident, the realization of what could have been hits hard.

"All the homes in our town had been spared, and our town had been spared. But speaking with the firefighters, they said it was the closest call they have ever had," says Cheryl Wilson-Janz. "If the winds and rain hadn't come, then they think they probably would have lost the town within the hour."

Wilson-Janz, who is a member of the Woodridge Community Club, says when the town was ordered to evacuate, it was extremely difficult.

Evacuees from Woodridge are back home now—and for one resident, the realization of what could have been hits hard.

"All the homes in our town had been spared, and our town had been spared. But speaking with the firefighters, they said it was the closest call they have ever had," says Cheryl Wilson-Janz. "If the winds and rain hadn't come, then they think they probably would have lost the town within the hour."

Wilson-Janz, who is a member of the Woodridge Community Club, says when the town was ordered to evacuate, it was extremely difficult.

An evacuation order for the Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet in eastern Manitoba has been partially lifted as officials say crews continue to make good progress battling a wildfire that forced close to 1,000 people from their homes.

A statement from Lac du Bonnet Emergency Management posted to Facebook on Sunday afternoon says the province's Wildfire Service has recommended reopening the southern section of the evacuated Wendigo region.

The post says people who live south of PR 313 between Urban Road and Belluk Road can now return to their homes.

The Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet is continuing its response to the out-of-control wildfire that has prompted evacuation orders for more than 1,000 households.

Wildfires in southeastern Manitoba continue to burn out of control, affecting areas including the Rural Municipality of Piney, Whiteshell Provincial Park, and the Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet. Manitoba Wildfire Service crews, local fire departments, and emergency responders are working to secure fire perimeters and protect key areas.

Provincial parks in eastern Manitoba remain closed due to ongoing wildfires, with evacuation orders still in place in several areas.