Canadian Forest Fires (May 2025)

Forest fires that began on May 13, 2025, in the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario. The fires have led to declarations of regional states of emergency, large-scale evacuations, and loss of life.

On May 13, numerous forest fires erupted simultaneously across different regions of Canada. Particularly notable were the fires in the Lac du Bonnet area of Manitoba and the Kenora 20 fires in northwestern Ontario. The fire in Lac du Bonnet rapidly expanded due to high temperatures and drought, while strong winds further hindered efforts to bring it under control.

The fire known as Kenora 20 began near Ingolf, approximately 580 kilometers west of Thunder Bay, close to the Manitoba-Ontario border. It has affected a vast area including the southern sections of Hello Lake, Jadel Lake, Mantario Lake, Otter Lake, Malachi Lake, Musk Lake, and Tetu Lake.

Evacuation orders have been implemented in affected areas. In Manitoba, approximately 1,000 residents of the town of Lac du Bonnet were evacuated. The Ontario Forest Fires agency advised all residents in the region to leave due to the fire’s rapid spread.

In response to the escalating impact of the fires, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced a state of emergency in the area surrounding Whiteshell Provincial Park. This declaration aimed to ensure safer execution of evacuations and enhance emergency response capacity. Flags were lowered to half-mast in the Manitoba Legislature to honor the victims.

At least two people have lost their lives as a result of the fires. Royal Canadian Mounted Police officials reported that search and rescue teams were only able to reach the area the following day due to adverse weather conditions. Both fatalities occurred in the town of Lac du Bonnet. Premier Kinew urged the public to comply with evacuation orders.

Many roads in the fire-affected areas have been closed to traffic. In Ontario, Gundy Road, the section of Pickerel Lake Road near Pelican Pouch Launch, and the intersection of Cygnet Lake Road with Highway 525 have been closed to traffic for fire safety reasons.