Manitoba wildfire crews, staff detail challenges of historic wildfire season

Smoke-filled skies from out of control wildfires in Norway House, Man., Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the Norway House Airport as crews continue to fight wildfires in northern Manitoba. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski (David Lipnowski)

WINNIPEG — A report detailing challenges faced by those on the front lines of one of Manitoba’s worst wildfire seasons in 30 years says workers received meagre pay and had deteriorating protective and camping gear.

The report was released by the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union and is based on feedback from crews and other staff involved in the wildfire fight.

It says understaffing put a strain on workers and put communities at risk.

Some described inadequate sleeping accommodations, failing equipment and not having access to proper sizes of protective clothing.

The union is recommending the province prioritize the replacement of aging gear, bulk up staffing positions, create full-time, year-round ranger positions, and add additional helicopters at major command bases.

Wildfires displaced roughly 32,000 people from various communities this year, and a man and his wife died when they were trapped in their home northeast of Winnipeg.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 16, 2025.

Brittany Hobson, The Canadian Press