Manitoba reports 127 active wildfires

Manitoba is facing a rapidly evolving wildfire situation, with 127 active wildfires across the province and 196 fires so far this season.

This number is higher than the seasonal average of 156 fires for this time of year.

The Manitoba Wildfire Service, in a fire bulletin issued on Monday afternoon, stated fire danger remains “high to extreme in the northern region,” while the rest of the province is currently experiencing low fire danger conditions.

Despite calmer conditions in southern Manitoba, officials warn that continued dry weather and shifting winds are keeping the situation volatile in the north.

Several communities have now been evacuated as fires continue to spread.

The town of Lynn Lake and the Marcel Colomb First Nation have both been fully evacuated. O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation has also declared a local state of emergency and is prioritizing the evacuation of vulnerable residents due to heavy smoke in the area. Manitoba Parks has issued closure and evacuation orders for Burge Lake and Zed Lake as fire activity threatens nearby regions.

Evacuation support is being co-ordinated by the Canadian Red Cross and the provincial Department of Families’ Emergency Social Services, working alongside local authorities and First Nations leadership to provide shelter, transportation and basic needs for displaced residents.

In southern Manitoba, including Brandon, evacuees from northern communities are being supported through temporary accommodations and emergency assistance services, the statement said.

Brandon has previously played a key role during wildfire emergencies by hosting displaced residents and helping to co-ordinate access to housing and community support networks as part of the broader provincial response.

The Manitoba Wildfire Service continues to monitor several major fires of concern in the north.

“Fire NO019, located about 12 kilometres from Leaf Rapids, is approximately 7,000 hectares and is being monitored,” it read. “Fire NO027, near Nelson House, is about 7,300 hectares and is out of control. Fire NO028 near the Wuskwatim Generating Station has grown to approximately 10,000 hectares and is also out of control.”

Fire NO048 near Nelson House is about 500 hectares and is being held. Fire NO050 near Lynn Lake has reached approximately 5,175 hectares and remains out of control. Fire NO072 near Lac Brochet is about 1,500 hectares and is being monitored, while Fire NO080 near South Indian Lake is approximately 5,000 hectares and continues to burn out of control.

With Canada Day approaching, officials are urging Manitobans to celebrate responsibly and keep fire prevention in mind.

Fireworks are prohibited in provincial parks, and burn permits are required in designated areas. Outside of burn permit zones, residents are advised to check with local municipalities for specific rules.

» The Brandon Sun