WINNIPEG – WILDFIRE REPORT – MANITOBA BULLETIN #8 – The Manitoba Wildfire Service (MWS) has escalated fire and travel restrictions across the province’s southeastern regions amid worsening wildfire conditions. Effective immediately, fire and travel restrictions have been raised to Level 3 in Areas 1, 2, and 3, resulting in a full fire ban and a prohibition on all backcountry travel.
In Area 5, the restrictions rise to Level 2, permitting non-motorized travel only. Meanwhile, Area 7 restrictions have been lifted following significant rainfall and improved wildfire conditions.
Fireworks and sky lanterns remain strictly prohibited under Level 3 restrictions and require special permits during wildfire season. For complete maps and details on current restrictions, visit Manitoba Wildfire Restrictions.
16 Active Wildfires Continue Across Manitoba
MWS reports 16 active wildfires across Manitoba, with a total of 81 wildfires recorded so far in 2025. Crews are focusing suppression efforts on several significant fires threatening communities and infrastructure.
West Region: Big Eddy Fire Near The Pas Shows Progress
WE044, burning near Big Eddy west of The Pas, is now estimated at 40,161 hectares. Crews are working alongside local fire departments, using thermal imaging to target hotspots, with good progress reported.
East Region: Multiple Fires Prompt Evacuations and Road Closures
EA057 (Carrick Area)
Estimated at 7,000 hectares, this fire continues to challenge crews. Heavy equipment, helicopters, and local fire departments are actively engaged, with value protection deployed for at-risk properties.
EA059 (Near Libau)
At 5,000 hectares, this fire is now just two kilometres from Libau. The East Selkirk Fire Department is protecting values, supported by MWS and the Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC).
EA061 (Bird River Area)
The largest and most critical, EA061 is now approximately 100,000 hectares, just one kilometre from Bird River.
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Highway 315 is closed at Bird River; Highway 314 is closed at Bissett.
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Bernic Lake Mine and nearby residents have been evacuated.
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Value protection is underway where safe to do so.
EA062 (Near Lac du Bonnet)
Estimated at 4,000 hectares, this fire has forced residential evacuations. Coordination between local departments, OFC, and MWS is ongoing.
EA063 (Near Ingolf, Ontario Border)
Approximately 4,000 hectares on the Manitoba side, this fire originated in Ontario (KEN020). An evacuation order remains in place, with coordinated efforts between municipal fire departments, OFC, and MWS.
Travel Caution: Smoke Reduces Visibility on Highways 1 and 17
Travelers along the Trans-Canada Highway and Ontario Highway 17 east toward Kenora are being warned of dangerous smoky conditions. Non-essential trips should be delayed if possible.
If travel is unavoidable:
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Slow down and increase following distance
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Keep vehicle windows closed and air circulating
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Avoid driving at night when smoke and moisture can reduce visibility
Check Local Restrictions Before Burning or Traveling
Many Manitoba municipalities have implemented their own burning restrictions. No burning permits will be issued in areas under these restrictions.
For updated burning conditions maps, visit Manitoba Burn Conditions.
Stay informed at www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire/ or follow updates on Manitoba Government X (Twitter).
To report a wildfire, call 911 or the TIP line at 1-800-782-0076.
