After nearly a month of evacuation due to wildfire threats, 4,800 Flin Flon residents in Manitoba are cleared to return home starting Wednesday at 9 a.m.
Manitoba Lifts Evacuation Order for Flin Flon
Nearly 4,800 residents of Flin Flon, Manitoba, will begin returning home starting Wednesday at 9 a.m., following a month-long evacuation caused by an out-of-control wildfire. The provincial government announced the end of the mandatory evacuation order in a fire bulletin on Tuesday, signaling a cautious but hopeful shift for the northern city.
Community Forced Out Since Late May
The evacuation was issued on May 28, after a fast-moving wildfire threatened the region. Though the fire—now estimated at over 370,000 hectares—remains active and uncontained, Flin Flon’s core infrastructure, including homes and businesses, has been spared, prompting officials to declare it safe for residents to return.
Residents Express Relief and Uncertainty
Many evacuees have spent weeks in temporary accommodations across Manitoba. Guy Rideout and his partner, Loreen Herriot, stayed in The Pas with their pets. Reflecting on their experience, Rideout expressed gratitude: “We got away quite scot-free,” he said, acknowledging that neighbouring communities like Denare Beach, Saskatchewan, suffered far worse damage.
Others, like Pauline Nabess, described the hardship of living away from home. “It’s going to be very different to go back. I don’t know about the smoke damage or the food… and we have no money,” she said tearfully. Nabess had to leave Flin Flon with little notice and hasn’t been able to work since.
Transport and Safety Logistics Underway
With evacuees scattered across the province, Flin Flon officials are coordinating transportation logistics to ensure a smooth and safe return for everyone. Residents planning to drive are being advised to expect heavy traffic and to proceed cautiously on the highway back to the city.
Emotional Journey Ahead
Returning residents are preparing not only for logistical challenges but also for emotional ones. Kelly Sherman, heading back with his wife, children, and dog, said he expects the trip home to be sobering: “I don’t think people are prepared for what they’re going to see—or not see.”
Sherman and his family got tattoos during the evacuation as a personal tribute to what he calls “the beast that drove us out.”
Rebuilding Life, One Step at a Time
As Flin Flon reopens, evacuees are bracing for a slow return to normalcy. Power, groceries, and public services may take time to fully resume. But for many, like Rideout, the simple act of being home again is enough for now. “I’m going to have a cold beer. That’s what I’m going to do,” he said with a tired smile.
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