Fire Bulletin #16
Press Release
May 28, 2025
Manitoba Parks advises while fire EA63 remains out of control in Whiteshell Provincial Park, suppression efforts are holding the line, which will allow additional areas of the park to reopen using a phased approach.
Effective 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 29, the following areas will reopen for permanent residents, cottagers, commercial operators and day visitors:
- Brereton, Red Rock, White and Jessica lakes in the north Whiteshell.
- Star and Hunt lakes subdivisions, Caddy Lake blocks 4, 9 and 10, and West Hawk Lake west shore and south shore subdivisions in the south Whiteshell.
Due to their proximity to the fire, the following areas will remain closed including all cottage subdivisions, commercial areas, campgrounds, group-use, day-use, recreational and picnic areas, playgrounds, trails, beaches and backcountry canoe routes and campsites:
- Crowduck Lake.
- Big Whiteshell Lake.
- Caddy Lake blocks 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8, Island Block, Green Bay Resort and the public boat launch at Block 4.
- West Hawk Lake – McDougall’s Landing, Big Island Landing and Indian Bay.
- Florence Lake, Nora Lake and Ophir Siding.
A full fire ban is in effect and all hiking trails and water routes in Whiteshell remain closed and all backcountry travel is prohibited without a travel permit. Industry, commercial operators and remote cabin owners in open areas may inquire for backcountry travel permits at their local park district office.
Campgrounds in Whiteshell will welcome campers in a phased approach that mirrors previous reopening of areas for residents, cottagers and commercial operators. This staggered approach is in place to allow commercial operators and park staff time to prepare facilities and services for returning visitors. Services may remain limited at some campgrounds as park staff continue to support fire response efforts.
Effective 4 p.m. on Friday, May 30, the following seasonal and nightly campgrounds will reopen: Otter Falls, Dorothy Lake, Opapiskaw, Nutimik Lake, Betula Lake, Falcon Beach, Falcon Lakeshore and Toniata.
Campgrounds at Big Whiteshell, Brereton, Caddy, West Hawk and White lakes will remain closed for seasonal and nightly camping until at least June 5. This closure may be extended, depending on how the situation evolves.
As the fire remains out of control, those returning to reopened areas are advised to be prepared to evacuate again with little notice. All residents, cottagers and seasonal campers should prepare an emergency go kit. More information on emergency preparedness, including what to include in an emergency go kit, is available at www.gov.mb.ca/emo/guide/individuals/.
Manitoba Parks recognizes many Whiteshell residents, business owners, cottagers and campers are frustrated about the closures but fire EA63 is challenging suppression efforts as it continues to burn into the Mantario wilderness zone and has increased in size, with numerous hotspots and flareups being pushed by variable winds, hot temperatures and dry conditions.
Park closures and evacuations are a protective measure to safeguard lives and reduce harm when a wildfire poses a significant threat. Any further opportunities to reopen areas of the park will depend on daily analysis of fire behaviour, suppression efforts, environmental and weather conditions, expert judgement and real-time conditions.
In Nopiming Provincial Park, fire EA61 continues to burn out of control and has burned a large area of the park. The park remains closed. Fire suppression efforts are currently focused on areas around Bird and Long lakes. Reservations for all Nopiming campgrounds have been cancelled up to June 12. This closure may be extended, depending on how the situation evolves. Campgrounds at Black and Beresford lakes are expected to remain closed for the remainder of the season, along with the water routes at Beresford-Garner, Long-Manigotagan, Rabbit River, Seagrim Lake and Shoe Lake. Manitobans who were planning backcountry trips along these routes this summer should make alternate plans.
As fire EA62 at Lac du Bonnet is now under control, Pinawa Dam Provincial Park will reopen on Friday, May 30.
A full fire ban is currently in place at all provincial parks across Manitoba. No fires of any kind, at any time of day, are permitted until further notice. This includes campfires in approved firepits. The use of charcoal briquettes is prohibited. Gas appliances, such as propane barbeques and stoves, can be used. Fireworks and sky lanterns are prohibited in Manitoba’s provincial parks.
The state of local emergency for Nopiming and Whiteshell provincial parks remains in place. For the latest information on park closures and fire restrictions, visit www.manitobaparks.com.
Many municipalities have proactively implemented burning restrictions this spring, so check with the local municipal office or view the interactive burning restrictions map at www.manitoba.ca/wildfire/burn_conditions.html for more information. No burning permits will be issued for areas within or bordering any municipality where burning restrictions are already in place.
For further information on the Manitoba Wildfire Service, situation updates, restrictions and other important wildfire links, go to www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire/ or follow the Manitoba government on X (formerly Twitter) at https://twitter.com/mbgov.
To report a wildfire, call 911 or the TIP line toll-free at 1-800-782-0076.
An additional fire bulletin will be issued later today.
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Backgrounder
BG-Whiteshell_Provincial_Park_Closure_Area_Map_05_28_25.pdf
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