Manitoba is entering the week under high to very high wildfire danger, with hot, dry weather continuing to elevate fire risk across much of the province. While conditions in Westman remain dry enough for rapid ignition, the active wildfire situation is concentrated almost entirely in northern Manitoba, where 18 fires are currently burning.
As of the latest update from the Manitoba Wildfire Service, 33 fires have occurred so far this season, well below the five‑year average of 82 for this date. But officials warn that the combination of dry fuels, wind, and human activity means the risk remains significant.
Where the Fires Are Burning
Most of the province’s active fires are located in the Northern Region, including:
- RM of Kelsey — A cluster of nine small wildfires (≈10 hectares total) between Cranberry Portage and Wanless. These fires produced enough smoke late last week to temporarily close Provincial Trunk Highway 10 and halt a Hudson Bay Railway passenger train.
- Easterville — A 400‑hectare wildfire is currently being held with the support of ground crews and heavy equipment.
- Cranberry Portage — A 10‑hectare fire remains out of control.
- Whiteshell Provincial Park — An 8‑hectare fire is being held.
These confirmed fires account for 12 of the 18 active fires. The remaining six are also located in northern districts, including areas north and northeast of The Pas, Flin Flon, and Thompson, according to the province’s live wildfire map.
Westman: Dry Conditions, High Risk, Few Fires
In southwestern Manitoba, the concern is not current fire activity but how quickly a fire could start. After several warm, windy days, grass and brush remain extremely dry. Officials emphasize that human-caused ignitions—from equipment, vehicles, or unattended campfires—remain the biggest threat.
Residents are urged to:
- Keep campfires in approved pits
- Fully extinguish all embers
- Avoid burning on windy days
- Maintain equipment to prevent sparks
- Carry a fire extinguisher, axe, and shovel when travelling in the backcountry
Where to Check Fire Locations and Restrictions
The province’s real-time wildfire map provides exact fire locations, sizes, and status updates:
👉 Manitoba Wildfire Service FireView Map: https://gov.mb.ca/wildfire/fireview
Residents can also check for road closures and smoke-related travel impacts at:
👉 Manitoba 511: https://manitoba511.ca
