Manitoba lifts provincewide wildfire emergency as conditions improve, but 17 communities remain under local alerts and several fires are still active.
Provincewide Emergency Officially Ends
Manitoba has lifted its provincewide state of emergency declared in response to widespread wildfires, citing improved conditions and continued firefighting success. Premier Wab Kinew made the announcement Monday afternoon at the Legislature, nearly four weeks after the emergency order was first issued on May 28.
Conditions Leading to the Decision
The decision follows recent rainfall, favourable weather, and intensified suppression efforts that have slowed the spread of several major fires. Kinew credited the combined efforts of provincial crews, local communities, and hundreds of external personnel for stabilizing conditions across much of the province.
“We can now respond using standard government authority,” Kinew said. “But this remains a serious situation, and our support for affected communities will continue.”
Fires Still Burning Across the Province
Despite the lifted emergency, wildfire activity remains high. As of Sunday, 25 fires are burning in Manitoba, six of which are classified as out of control. According to the latest provincial fire update, 131 wildfires have been recorded this spring—slightly above the 20-year average of 128.
So far this year, nearly 910,000 hectares of land have been scorched by wildfires, with hotspots persisting in the north and east.
Community Evacuations and Returns
The fires have displaced approximately 22,000 residents from rural and remote communities. Christine Stevens, Assistant Deputy Minister of Manitoba Emergency Management, confirmed Monday that around 9,000 evacuees have returned home.
In Winnipeg, temporary shelters have been phased out, and evacuees are now housed in hotels. Two major emergency shelters in arenas are being decommissioned as demand decreases.
Some areas remain under evacuation, including parts of Lynn Lake, Jenpeg, and Pimicikamak Cree Nation. Flin Flon residents are scheduled to begin returning Wednesday, with road access via Highway 10 set to reopen.
Recovery Faces Setbacks in Some Areas
While certain communities have been cleared for re-entry, others continue to face environmental concerns. In Tataskweyak Cree Nation, residents were initially told they could return, but the decision was reversed hours later due to high aluminum levels detected in the water supply.
Meanwhile, businesses and seasonal operators in Nopiming Provincial Park received clearance to return last week. However, the Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association is calling for financial assistance, citing heavy losses from the disrupted season.
Ongoing Support and Fire Response
Seventeen communities remain under local states of emergency, and 12 continue to be evacuated. Kristin Hayward of the Manitoba Wildfire Service confirmed that although some zones are safe for occupancy, smoke and visible flames are still present nearby.
Roughly 300 firefighters from other provinces, Parks Canada, and U.S. agencies remain active in Manitoba to support local crews.
Fire Chief Jason Kuras of Flin Flon described the current efforts as “exceptionally effective,” noting precipitation and a growing firefighting force are helping push back the flames.
For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.
