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Rain Slows Manitoba Wildfires but Danger Persists

Steady rainfall eases some fire activity near Lac du Bonnet, where two lives were lost, but major blazes remain active and evacuations continue.

A member of the Manitoba Wildfire Program crosses a stream with a new hose on his back as fire crews continue to fight wildfires around Lac du Bonnet, Man., Thursday, May 15, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski
Members of the Manitoba Wildfire Program survey the land as fire crews continue to fight wildfires around Lac du Bonnet, Man., Thursday, May 15, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski
Ron Burley had to flee the Lac du Bonnet area due to a  wildfire.
This handout image courtesy Manitoba Government shows a wildfire burning near Lac-du-Bonnet on May 14, 2025 in Manitoba, a province in central Canada experiencing unusually hot, dry and windy conditions. Two people died after being trapped by the wildfire in the rural municipality of Lac du Bonnet. (Photo by Handourt / Manitoba Government / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO /  Manitoba Government/ HO- HANDOUT - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS (Photo by HANDOURT/Manitoba Government/AFP via Getty Images)

Overview

  • The Lac du Bonnet wildfire, now partially stabilized by rain, has destroyed 28 homes and cottages and claimed the lives of Richard and Sue Nowell.
  • A partial re-entry has been authorized for some evacuated areas, but many zones remain off-limits due to ongoing fire risks.
  • Premier Wab Kinew has declared a state of emergency, urging residents to avoid campfires and fireworks over the long weekend to prevent new outbreaks.
  • Interprovincial support includes two Alberta firefighting crews en route to bolster containment efforts as Manitoba battles 20 active fires.
  • The wildfire's human-related cause remains under investigation, with officials emphasizing safety and adherence to evacuation orders.