Leaf Rapids lifting evacuation order next week

Smoky skies in Leaf Rapids on July 23, 2025. (Manitoba Government)

Evacuees from a northern Manitoba town will soon be able to go home after more than two months away.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, the Town of Leaf Rapids announced it will be lifting its evacuation order on Monday, Sept. 22.

Those who have private transportation and can arrange their own return to Leaf Rapids are invited to do so any time after the order is lifted.

Those returning by bus should expect to be home by Tuesday. The town will post more information about bus transportation once it’s available.

Once evacuees return to the community, they are asked to visit the town centre to access support, including cleaning kits, mental health resources, and advice about spoiled food.

The community, located about 750 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, was ordered to evacuate on July 8 after a wildfire jumped from the Churchill River and entered the town. One home and several abandoned buildings were destroyed.

The town was expected to lift the evacuation order earlier in the month but was delayed due to ongoing challenges, including power outages.