Manitoba more prepared in 2026 following deadly wildfire season in 2025: minister

A wildfire near Flin Flon, Man., taken on May 27, 2025.

The Manitoba government has released its initial report on the findings from the catastrophic wildfire season in 2025, highlighting what changes have been made ahead of the 2026 season.

Speaking about the 2025 Wildfire Interim After Action Review in Brandon Tuesday, Lisa Naylor, the minister responsible for the Emergency Management Organization, said the province was prepared as it could have been for a wildfire season like the one the province had, but noted officials are even more prepared for this year.

“We hope we won’t see a season like that this year, but at the same time, we’re going to be even more prepared,” said Naylor. “That is the point of the after-action review. And so, even though the final report won’t be out until the fall, we were issuing this interim report to show the progress we’re making and so that we as a government can take steps out of that and act and be even better prepared this season.”

Manitoba saw 445 wildfires burn more than 2.38 million hectares of land, which resulted in the deaths of two people and more than 33,000 people being evacuated from their homes, the report reads.

“Extreme fire behaviour, prolonged dry conditions, and sustained operational demands placed significant pressure on Manitoba’s wildfire response system and emergency management partners,” the report reads.

Manitoba declared two states of emergency during the summer months and requested support from the federal government.

To prepare for the 2026 season, the province has listed seven themes where changes have already been implemented or work is ongoing to better improve the situation.

The categories focus on infrastructure, workforce capacity, communication, coordination, community supports, planning, and finance.

“Collectively, these actions reflect a significant strengthening of Manitoba’s emergency management system ahead of the 2026 wildfire season,” the report reads.

“The lessons gleaned so far from the report have shown us the strength in collaboration and the importance of responding to crisis with a united front as One Manitoba,” said Naylor.

The report recaps some previous announcements in the provincial budget as well—spending $1.2 million on 19 new firefighters, $1 million on 15 more staff for the Emergency Management Organization, and the work that is underway to build a new fire base in the Thompson area.

Ian Bushie, the minister of natural resources and Indigenous futures, was asked about what Manitobans should expect for this fire season.

He said right now, it’s not forecasting to look like last year’s.

“We’re not anticipating the fire season from last year to repeat itself, but we’re also preparing for the fact that if it does,” said Bushie. “Preparing for the worst, but hoping for the best.”

Bushie noted there are still some fires that burned throughout the winter, but they have not flared up.

The entire after-action review is expected to be released in the fall this year.

The interim report can be read here.