Manitoba Wildfires: What to do and How to Help

June 3, 2025

As of June 3, 2025, Manitoba is grappling with 25 active wildfires, leading to the evacuation of approximately 17,000 people and a provincewide state of emergency until June 26, 2025. This toolkit provides comprehensive guidance on preparing for and responding to the ongoing wildfire crisis, including essential supplies, evacuation procedures, safety tips, and resources for staying informed and accessing support.

For immediate assistance and information, use the following contacts:

Organization

Manitoba Wildfire Service

Canadian Red Cross

Manitoba 211

Emergency Measures Organization (EMO)

Manitoba Road and Traveller Info

Contact Information

Website

1-800-863-6582

211 or 211mb@findhelp.ca

1-888-267-8298 (Toll Free)

511 or 1-877-627-6237

To Report a Wildfire

1-800-782-0076 (toll-free)

This is to report a fire, not for local information.

Current Wildfire Context

As of June 3, 2025, Manitoba is facing 25 active wildfires, with 109 reported this year, above the average of 86. Key affected areas include Bissett, Flin Flon, Sherridon, and Pukatawagan, with mandatory evacuations in place. The province is under a state of emergency, and human activity is a significant cause of these fires. Out-of-province resources, including personnel from Alberta and British Columbia, are supporting firefighting efforts.

Region	Fire ID	Location	Size (ha)	Status	Evacuation Status
East	EA061	1 km from Bird River	189,833	Out of control	Mandatory for Bissett; PR 315 closed
East	EA063	Ontario border near Ingolf	5,060 (MB), 31,300 (ON)	Out of control	–
West	WE015	8 km from Cranberry Portage	28	Held	–
West	WE017	Near Sherridon	110,000	Out of control	Mandatory for Sherridon
West	WE021/26	Near Easterville	35	Under control	–
West	WE023	8 km from Wanless	1,400	Out of control	Voluntary evacuation
West	WE024	Near Flin Flon	40,000	Out of control	Mandatory for Big Island, Schist Lake, Bakers Narrows, Flin Flon
West	WE025	Near Mathias Colomb Cree Nation (Pukatawagan)	10,000	Out of control	Mandatory evacuation
North	NO002	Near Lynn Lake	50,000	Out of control	Mandatory for Lynn Lake
North	NO005	Near Pimicikamak Cree Nation (Cross Lake)	3,300	Out of control	Mandatory evacuation alert for Cross Lake and Pimicikamak Cree Nation
North	NO006	5 km from Cross Lake	2,287	Out of control	–
North	NO007	2 km from Wabowden	88	Under control	–
North	NO010	West of Split Lake	4,000	Out of control	Mandatory for Tataskwayak Cree Nation (Split Lake)

For more information visit: Manitoba wildfire Information

Evacuation Procedures

Wildfires can spread rapidly, requiring swift evacuation. Follow these steps to ensure a safe and organized evacuation:

Know your evacuation routes: Identify multiple escape routes from your home and practice them with your household, including pets. Check Manitoba 511 for road conditions.
Establish a meeting point: Choose a safe location outside the high-risk area where your family can reunite if separated.
Prepare a “go bag”: Pack the emergency supplies listed above and keep them in your vehicle or near an exit.
Follow official instructions: Adhere to evacuation orders from local authorities, such as the Manitoba Wildfire Service or local fire departments. Do not return home until officially cleared.
Register with the Canadian Red Cross: If evacuated, register for assistance at Canadian Red Cross or call 1-800-418-1111.
Vehicle preparation: Park your vehicle in a cleared area or garage, facing out with windows closed and keys in the ignition to avoid delaying emergency services.

Communities like Bissett, Flin Flon, and Pukatawagan have faced mandatory evacuations, with reception centers in Winnipeg, Thompson, Winkler, and Portage la Prairie. Check with local authorities for specific evacuation details.

What to Do

To stay safe during the Manitoba wildfires, take the following actions:

Clear vegetation: Remove flammable materials (dry leaves, wood piles, dense shrubs) within 10 meters of your home to create a defensible space.
Use fire-resistant materials: Consider fire-resistant roofing, siding, and windows to reduce your home’s vulnerability.
Stay indoors during heavy smoke: Use air purifiers and keep windows closed to minimize smoke inhalation.
Wear N95 masks: When outdoors, use N95 masks to protect against harmful smoke particles.
Monitor vulnerable individuals: Check on elderly, children, or those with respiratory issues, as they are more susceptible to smoke-related health problems.
Prepare firefighting tools: Keep a rake, shovel, ax, and ladder near your home in a visible location for emergency use.
If trapped by fire: Seek shelter in a room with an exterior door, away from the fire. Close all doors and windows, stay low to avoid smoke, and signal for help if possible.
Stay informed: Regularly check updates from official sources (see Section 8).

What Not to Do

Avoid actions that could endanger yourself or others or hinder firefighting efforts:

Do not ignore evacuation orders: Delaying evacuation can put your life at risk and strain emergency resources.
Do not start fires: Manitoba is under a full burn ban, prohibiting all campfires, even in approved pits. Violating this can lead to fines or legal consequences.
Do not fly drones near wildfires: Flying drones within 9.3 km of a wildfire is illegal under Canadian Aviation Regulations and can result in fines up to $25,000 or imprisonment for up to 18 months. It also disrupts firefighting operations.
Do not store flammable materials near your home: Avoid keeping gasoline, propane, or other combustibles near structures.
Do not drive through smoke or fire areas: Poor visibility and hazardous conditions can lead to accidents.
Do not return home prematurely: Wait for official clearance from authorities to ensure safety.
Do not rely on unofficial sources: Verify information through trusted channels like the Manitoba Wildfire Service or local news.

Emergency Supplies List

Having a well-prepared “go bag” is essential for quick evacuation or sheltering in place during a wildfire. The following items are recommended to ensure you and your household are ready for at least three to five days:

First aid kit: For minor injuries and medical emergencies.
N95 masks: To protect against smoke inhalation.
Flashlights and extra batteries: For visibility during power outages.
Water: At least one gallon per person per day for three days.
Non-perishable food: At least a three-day supply (e.g., canned goods, energy bars).
Medications: Prescription and over-the-counter drugs for at least a week.
Important documents: IDs, passports, insurance papers, and a home inventory checklist for insurance claims.
Pet supplies: Food, water, leashes, carriers, and vaccination records.
Cash: In small denominations, as ATMs may be inaccessible.
Portable radio: For receiving emergency updates.
Cell phone with chargers: Including portable chargers for extended outages.
Blankets or sleeping bags: For warmth during evacuation.
Change of clothing: Warm, waterproof clothing suitable for the season.
Personal hygiene items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, and other essentials.

Keep these items in an easily accessible bag or container, and ensure your vehicle is ready with a full tank of gas and parked facing out for quick departure.