Wildfire evacuees out of northern Manitoba town since July head home

The northern Manitoba town of Leaf Rapids has issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents due to encroaching wildfires. A helicopter crew works on a wildfire as another is shown flying by in northern Manitoba during a helicopter tour in the surrounding area of Flin Flon, Man., on Thursday, June 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mike Deal-Pool

WINNIPEG -- Dozens of people from a small northern Manitoba town are heading home for the first time since wildfires forced them out two months ago.

The province says more than 160 residents of Leaf Rapids are expected back after an evacuation order was lifted Monday.

The government says more are set to arrive by bus Wednesday.

The town of about 350 was evacuated in early July due to nearby fires that later entered the community, destroying one home and several abandoned buildings.

A plan for residents to return earlier this month was changed over safety concerns, as fires had knocked power out for weeks, damaging appliances and spoiling food.

The wildfire season in Manitoba, considered the worst in at least 30 years, saw more than 32,600 evacuees from various communities register with the Canadian Red Cross.

The government says most have returned or are in the process of returning, with about 2,500 remaining out of their homes.

It’s anticipated those still out could return by the end of September, a government spokesperson said in an email Tuesday.

Leaf Rapids, which is overseen by a provincial administrator, had asked residents to fill out a form on its Facebook page if they wanted appliances removed. It later rescinded the offer, saying not enough residents had signed up.

The town later posted that all property owners are responsible for necessary property repairs and appliance replacements.

“The province is aware of the challenges that Leaf Rapids residents are coming back to,” the provincial spokesperson said.

“Staff continue to work without colleague departments to support returning evacuees to their homes. That will include reviewing Disaster Financial Assistance and other potential supports.”

The spokesperson said there were still 89 fires burning in the province. There have been 430 so far this season compared to the average of 366 for this time of year.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 23, 2025.