Whiteshell under emergency as wildfires rage on, 2 dead

A state of emergency has been declared in Whiteshell Provincial Park in Manitoba due to extreme wildfire conditions. Premier Wab Kinew made the announcement after two people were found dead in the Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet.

Evacuation orders were issued for all residents and visitors. Around 239 permanent homes are in the park. Manitoba officials have urged affected area residents to listen to the wildfire evacuation orders. The park, including campgrounds, trails, beaches, and other recreation sites, is now closed. This closure will stay in place until it is safe again.

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Premier Kinew said the situation is very serious. “It doesn’t get more serious than the loss of life,” he said. He urged people to follow the evacuation orders and to avoid lighting campfires or setting off fireworks. He also stated that there are over 1,000 registered evacuees at this time, a figure likely much higher due to unregistered individuals.

There are currently 21 active wildfires in Manitoba. The fire in Lac du Bonnet remains out of control. So far this season, about 80 wildfires have been reported—nearly double the usual number for this time of year.

According to Kristin Hayward, the Assistant Deputy Minister with the Manitoba Wildfire Service, the fire near Nopiming is still a concern as an area roughly twice the size of Winnipeg continues to burn. “It remained very intense throughout yesterday,” Hayward described the situation.

Only full-time residents need to register if they leave the area. If they cannot register in person, they are advised to call 204-340-6769. However, cottage owners and campers in these areas do not need to register.

The Manitoba government said that they are monitoring the situation and will share more updates as needed.