Overview

• Manitoba Wildfire Service has issued a mandatory evacuation for Leaf Rapids, requiring residents to depart by 10 a.m. Tuesday and report to Winnipeg’s WSF Soccer Complex for reception and transport.
• Officials cited forecast-based projections of strong winds and low precipitation as the trigger for the pre-emptive order despite no immediate flames reaching town limits.
• Crews are battling 81 active wildfires across eastern and northern Manitoba, contributing to a season total of 235 fires—nearly 50 above the early July average.
• Thompson has declared a local emergency as nearby blazes grow, ruling out the city as a refuge and prompting its 13,000 residents to stay ready.
• The province is coordinating coach bus service, hotel accommodations and temporary shelters in Winnipeg, prioritizing families and those with medical needs under the forecast-driven evacuation plan.