Rain provides respite in Manitoba wildfire fight, but evacuation order still in place

LAC DU BONNET – Evacuation orders remain in place for the Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet as crews continue to battle wildfires in eastern Manitoba.

While recent rainfall has helped, officials say the state of local emergency remains in place in the community where a fire destroyed 28 homes and cottages and left two people dead earlier this week.

Local officials issued an update on social media early Saturday saying they were hopeful they could start planning for re-entry into the evacuated areas as early as that day.

But officials added that re-entry was not yet recommended by the province’s wildfire service, and another update later Saturday said the evacuation orders have not changed.

Lac du Bonnet Emergency Management says a recommendation to return will only come when the fire is under control and the safety of residents can be assured.

There were roughly 20 other fires burning in Manitoba as of Friday, prompting the province to close some national parks.

“Our top priority remains the safety of our residents, which is why the mandatory evacuation remains in place,” the municipality’s emergency management organization posted on Saturday afternoon.

“We will not risk allowing residents to return back into homes that are adjacent to the fire and have a second evacuation.”

The post noted that over 200 Manitoba Hydro poles were lost in the area and that roads have been damaged, which has made it difficult for the utility to make repairs.

The municipality also said it lacks resources to assess every property or tell residents whether their properties have sustained damage. It said it can’t escort residents into the area to view their properties.

“We have evacuated over 1,000 households and cannot take photos of individual properties. When the evacuation order is lifted, you will be able to assess your property, and report any damage to your insurance company,” the post stated, while thanking residents for their patience. 

“All resources are dedicated to resolving the fire situation so that we can declare the area safe and get you home.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 17, 2025.