‘Something we didn’t want to do’: Lynn Lake under mandatory evacuation order due to wildfire

A firefighter battles a wildfire burning near Lynn Lake, Man. in July 2025. (Maggie Braido)

The Town of Lynn Lake issued a mandatory evacuation order due to the rapidly advancing wildfire.

In a social media post on Saturday, the town, located about 800 kilometres from Winnipeg with about 600 residents, said the wildfire poses an imminent threat to the community.

All residents and visitors must evacuate Lynn Lake immediately.

Transportation will be provided by air from the town’s airport for residents requiring evacuation assistance. A bus to the airport will be provided from the town’s office.

The reception centre for the evacuees was set up at the Victoria Inn in Brandon. Residents are strongly encouraged to stay with family or friends first if possible.

Hotel accommodations were arranged in Brandon for evacuees who require them. Residents driving their own vehicle and requiring a hotel room are asked to contact the town office.

The town is asking residents to complete a pre-registration form online or in person at the office.

“This is an incredibly difficult time for our community. We understand the stress and uncertainty this evacuation brings, especially after the challenges our residents have already endured,” the post read.

The town said it will update its Facebook page as more information becomes available.

In a statement, Manitoba Minister responsible for the Emergency Management Organization (EMO), Lisa Naylor, said the province is working closely with local authorities to support safe evacuations.

“We have spoken directly with local leadership and will continue to remain in close contact,” she said.

“Manitoba EMO staff are on the ground coordinating the response, while crews continue working to fight the fire and value protection measures are being put in place.

“We know this is a challenging and stressful time for families and communities. Our priority is keeping Manitobans safe.”

Naylor added the government is ensuring evacuees have access to accommodations and support.

‘It’s coming right into the community’

Lynn Lake Mayor Brandon Dulewich said the town was notified on Friday by the province’s Emergency Management Organization and Wildfire Services staff about the fire.

“After several meetings, it became apparent that there’s just not enough fire suppression efforts to stop the fire before it reaches the community,” he told CTV News on Saturday.

The fire was started by a lightning strike on Thursday, Dulewich said, and it grew rapidly due to a lack of precipitation.

“With wind conditions and the path that trajectory is on, it’s coming right into the community – that’s the anticipation.”

As of Friday, the fire was anticipated to hit the edge of the community mid-to-late Sunday, he added. According to the province’s fire status report as of 2:25 p.m. on Saturday, fire number 50 is out of control, has burned about 1,600 hectares and is located about 25 kilometres from the town.

The town is installing sprinkler systems and water resources at essential locations to support the fire suppression effort when it arrives – but the resources are limited, he said.

“Last year, the amount of men and women here fighting the fire and the resources, the helicopters, the aircraft, the pumps, the hoses – we didn’t have enough last year, but it was 10 times more than we have now.

“I was out at the base. There are a couple of pumps and a few lengths of hoses. I don’t know where all the firefighting in the province is right now – but it’s not here.

“If there was adequate amount of crews to suppress it and air support – everybody would be able to stay at home, I believe – but it’s just struggle to get resources and actually fight the fire.”

Dulewich said about four crews – each consisting of about five people – were there to fight the fire as of Friday. Additional crews were requested, but as of 12:35 p.m. on Saturday, there are two crews to suppress the fire, he added.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the province said crews are working in the area and there has been “extensive communication and support from a variety of agencies,” including personnel from the EMO, the Office of the Fire Commissioner and CAN-TF4 – as well as communication and support around the evacuation.

“Emergency Social Services is involved as well and has arranged accommodations for evacuees in Brandon,” the spokesperson said.

“Heavy smoke did hamper the ability for air support earlier today, however there is optimism that things will clear enough later (Saturday) to make it safe to fly.”

Twenty-six new fires started on Friday, bringing the total number of active fires to 95, the spokesperson added. There have been 159 fires this year — 10 more compared to the 20-year average of 149 as of Saturday.

Dulewich said the evacuation order wasn’t issued lightly.

“Just know that this is something we didn’t want to do. Stay safe out there. We’ll do everything we can to make sure you have homes to come back to.”

This is the second year the town is evacuating due to wildfires. Last year, Lynn Lake was evacuated twice, latest in July 2025.