Lac du Bonnet Wildfire Forces Mass Evacuations Amid ‘Very Dark Day’ in Eastern Manitoba

An aggressive wildfire near Lac du Bonnet has forced nearly 1,000 people from their homes and cottages as flames tore through the region on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. What started as a localized fire quickly escalated into a major emergency, leading to multiple evacuation orders and a grim outlook for the area.

Evacuations Expanded as Winds Shift

Loren Schinkel, reeve of the Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet, described the situation as a “very dark day” for the community. He confirmed that evacuation orders were extended seven times on Tuesday due to sudden wind shifts, displacing between 800 to 1,000 residents.

Though cooler temperatures have since arrived, officials warn that changing wind directions continue to pose serious threats, especially with new gusts from the north pushing flames back toward Highway 313.

Significant Structural Losses in Wendigo Beach Area

While no injuries have been reported, there is confirmed “significant loss of structures” in the Wendigo Beach area. Crews are working to assess the full extent of the damage, but the process will take time.

“The fire was jumping. It was a tough day,” Schinkel said, noting the remarkable efforts of RCMP and front-line firefighters who battled throughout the night to protect properties and lives.

Power Disruptions and Ongoing Safety Measures

The wildfire has also damaged hydro poles and power lines, leaving some areas without electricity. Restoration efforts must be completed before residents can safely return home.

The RCMP has sent additional officers and a 12-person search and rescue team to assist with evacuations and patrols. Roadblocks remain in place on Highway 313, restricting access to emergency personnel only.

Areas Under Evacuation Orders

The following locations are under mandatory evacuation:

• Subdivisions south of Highway 313 (Urban Road, Belluk Road, Lee Dale Estates, Bonnet Oaks South).
• Wendigo Road and nearby subdivisions up to Grausdin Point.
• Highway 433 and Cape Coppermine Road, including all adjacent areas.
• Highway 433 from Lagsdin Way to Highway 313.
• North and west side of Highway 313, from Highway 433 to the RM of Alexander.
  

Evacuees must register at the Lac du Bonnet community hall on McArthur Avenue or call 204-345–2860 if they have left without registering.

Wildfires Across Manitoba Worsen

The Lac du Bonnet fire joins 22 other active wildfires in Manitoba, many of which are forcing similar evacuations. The South Whiteshell Provincial Park and Pointe du Bois areas are also under evacuation orders due to fires spreading from the Ontario border.

States of local emergency have been declared around Nopiming, Wallace Lake, South Atikaki, and Manigotagan River provincial parks, as Manitoba battles one of its most intense wildfire seasons.

How are wildfires impacting your community this year? Share your experiences in the comments below.

More…

• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/lac-du-bonnet-wildfire-evacuations-manitoba-1.7534481 
• https://www.ctvnews.ca/winnipeg/video/2025/05/13/watch-wildfire-burns-in-lac-du-bonnet-area
• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/wildfire-state-of-local-emergency-provincial-parks-evacuation-order-1.7533700