Wildfire Update #58: Cormorant Evacuated as Manitoba Wildfire Danger Reaches New High
High winds and dry conditions across Manitoba are fuelling a growing wildfire emergency, prompting the evacuation of Cormorant and raising the province’s total area burned to more than one million hectares.
A mandatory evacuation order for the community of Cormorant took effect at 1 p.m. on July 29, affecting approximately 300 residents. Fire WE085, burning just 12 km from the community, is out of control and has grown to an estimated 800 hectares. The evacuation is the latest in a string of displacements caused by one of the most destructive wildfire seasons in Manitoba’s history.
Across the province, 127 active wildfires are burning, including 20 fires classified as “out of control.” The Manitoba Wildfire Service has cancelled all burn permits, and travel by air into fire zones now requires a special permit. Land-based travel remains permitted unless otherwise restricted.
Manitoba remains under a provincewide state of emergency, extended through August 8, with the possibility of further extension. The current tally of 351 wildfires to date is well above the 20-year average of 276 for this time of year.
Fires of Note
- Fire EA061 (East region): Now burning approximately 329,855 ha in Atikaki and surrounding parks. Nopiming Provincial Park has reopened to some, but the fire remains active.
- Fire WE017 (West): Continues to burn near Flin Flon and Sherridon at 347,100 ha.
- Fire WE052 (Snow Lake): Grew to 28,115 ha with a mandatory evacuation in place. Wekusko Falls Provincial Park remains closed.
- Fire NO061 (Thompson region): Grew to 18,365 ha and remains out of control about 14 km from the city.
- Fire NO002 and NO042 (Lynn Lake): Both out of control. Mandatory evacuations remain for Lynn Lake and Marcel Colomb First Nation.
- Fire NO079 (Garden Hill): Expanded to 37,855 ha. Evacuations remain in place for Garden Hill Anisininew Nation and Stevenson Island.
- Fire NO026 and NO047 (Leaf Rapids): Fires remain active near the community, which has also been evacuated.
Evacuation Support
The RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg continues to serve as the primary evacuation reception centre. Additional support is available at the Leila Soccer Complex. Evacuees can register with the Canadian Red Cross and access services by calling 1-800-863-6582.
Officials are urging evacuees not to return to communities under evacuation orders until local authorities confirm it is safe to do so. Residents are reminded to bring essential items, including medications, ID, baby supplies, and important documents, when evacuating.
Resources are available through MBReady and Manitoba’s wildfire response website, with up-to-date information on shelters, financial support, and health services.
Looking Ahead
With more than one million hectares burned and hot, dry weather expected to continue, authorities say Manitobans must remain prepared. All residents returning to reopened areas are urged to have a go-kit ready in case of rapid evacuation.
For the latest updates, visit gov.mb.ca/wildfire, mbready.manitoba.ca, or call Manitoba 211.
