Manitoba Government Releases Interim 2025 Wildfire After Action Review

Press Release

April 21, 2026

BRANDON—The Manitoba government, standing with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak and the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, has released its 2025 Wildfire Interim After Action Review (AAR), detailing key actions that are underway to strengthen Manitoba’s wildfire response for 2026, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor, minister responsible for the Emergency Management Organization, and Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures Minister Ian Bushie announced here today.

“Last year, people from across the province came together to support their fellow Manitobans during the worst wildfire season in 30 years,” said Naylor. “This interim review highlights the tremendous efforts of all those involved in that response and highlights early findings that have guided our work to strengthen our response further ahead of the 2026 wildfire season.”

The Manitoba government committed to a comprehensive AAR following the 2025 wildfire season, which will be released in the fall. The interim report, released ahead of the 2026 wildfire season, highlights early findings, which have guided concrete actions already underway including:

providing a $1.2-million upgrade to the Manitoba Wildfire Service’s weather information and fire mapping systems;
creating a new initial attack and fire base in the Thompson area;
adding 19 firefighters and converting 15 term emergency-management staff to new, permanent positions;
investing $1.1 million for aerial firefighting services;
adding three new initial attack crews;
making it easier for evacuees to register and receive financial supports;
making it easier for First Nations safety officers to be deployed outside their communities to support emergency response; and
continuing recruitment and training of community‑based wildland firefighters, especially in First Nations.

While the review process is ongoing, early lessons have been acted on, the ministers noted, with the province providing clear targets for investment and improvement as the 2026 wildfire season approaches.

The Manitoba government will continue build on its One Manitoba approach and work with municipalities, First Nations, emergency responders and partners to protect families and communities from wildfires.

Visit https://manitoba.ca/asset_library/en/wildfire/wildfire-report-april-2026.pdf to view the interim report including a full list of actions implemented and underway.

– 30 –

For more information:

Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

ILR5