Whiteshell Provincial Park remains closed

A ‘Park Closed’ sign at the turn off to Falcon Lake on May 15, 2025. (Danton Unger/CTV News)

The province is warning Manitobans that the risk remains high for several wildfires despite the rain and cooler weather over the long weekend.

In a fire bulletin issued on Monday evening, the government said the Manitoba Wildfire Service is still responding to 13 active wildfires across the province, adding that fires in Nopiming and Whitehsell remain out of control.

It says that a state of local emergency at Whiteshell and Nopiming provincial parks, as well as the associated park closures, remain in place. The government notes these closures are to ensure everyone’s safety and to allow fire crews to do their work.

Fire and travel restrictions persist in parts of central and southeastern Manitoba.

More information, including a fire restriction map, can be found online.

Permanent Whiteshell residents most concerned

Ken Pickering, president of the Whiteshell Cottagers Association, said for the most part cottagers have been supportive of the evacuation order; however, there is some concern coming from permanent residents.

He added they are frustrated because they’ve been forced to leave their homes and are worried about the condition of their cottages.

“[Permanent residents] are the folks that are probably put out the most,” he said.

“A seasonal cottager typically has another residence to go back to or stay at, whereas a permanent resident is under a different situation.”

Pickering added they’ve been getting daily updates on the wildfire situation and expect to hear more information later on Tuesday.