Media Information Update : Manitoba and Saskatchewan Wildfires

In this issue: 

• Registration numbers 
• Assistance provided
• Donation updates
• Broll of emergency shelters in Winnipeg
• Useful resources for people impacted by wildfires

Manitoba Wildfires

On behalf of the Province of Manitoba, and through a standing agreement with Indigenous Services Canada, the Canadian Red Cross is supporting people and communities impacted by evacuations in Manitoba.

Registration numbers

As of June 6, the Canadian Red Cross has registered more than 18,300 people from more than 7, 200 households evacuated due to the wildfires in Manitoba. This includes people from more than 3,400 households on behalf of Indigenous Services Canada, and more than 3,800 households on behalf of the Province of Manitoba.

Assistance provided

On behalf of the Government of Manitoba, the Canadian Red Cross is distributing financial assistance to households that have been evacuated from municipalities and non-First Nations communities due to the wildfires in Manitoba. To access assistance people must be registered with the Canadian Red Cross. The Government of Manitoba has determined funding amounts and eligibility for financial assistance, available for households that: 

• Are permanent residents of Manitoba;
• have a primary residence in a municipality or a non-First Nation community that has been placed under a mandatory evacuation order due to wildfire or smoke, issued on or after May 23, 2025;
• have registered with the Canadian Red Cross; and 
• had their identity validated through the Canadian Red Cross.
• More information can be found here.

Please note that financial assistance for households evacuated from First Nation communities is being distributed by Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak. Please reach out to Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak for more information. 

To assist with the transport, comfort and care of people impacted by wildfires, the Canadian Red Cross is:
 

• Coordinating the scheduling of flights or buses and engaging with other partners to secure modes of transportation for the arrival of people being evacuated into Winnipeg, where possible.
• Operating two congregate shelter sites in Winnipeg with a total capacity for more than 1,600 people.
• Providing registration, information and well-being support in Brandon, Thompson, Winnipeg.
• Providing emergency supplies such as cots, blankets, and generators, for an additional 12 shelter sites in First Nation and non-First Nation communities in Manitoba as they prepare to host other evacuated communities.
• Providing urgent supplies for communities that remain in place, such as food, air purifiers, and other requested equipment.
• Providing emergency lodging, food, personal services, well-being supports, and tuck shop items such as diapers, formula, snacks, cots, blankets, pillows, and hygiene items at congregate shelter sites.
• Secured more than 1,600 hotel rooms for evacuees in Manitoba (as of June 6).
• The Canadian Red Cross is working directly with First Nations communities to support health, mental health, and wellbeing needs of evacuated community members in Manitoba. That includes providing non-clinical Health Navigators to ensure people impacted by the wildfire evacuations have access to health support they need and provide designated areas for child-friendly spaces.

Donations

As of June 6, the Canadian Red Cross has raised $3.3 million for the 2025 Manitoba Wildfires Appeal. This amount does not include matching funds from the Government of Canada or the Government of Manitoba.

Saskatchewan Wildfires

The Canadian Red Cross, along with various partners, is providing critical assistance through lodging, food, emergency supplies, and other services to people who had to evacuate due to the wildfires. This support is offered at the request of community leadership and through a standing agreement with Indigenous Services Canada.  

Registration numbers

As of June 6, the Canadian Red Cross has registered more than 10, 200 people from more than 3, 600 households evacuated due to the wildfires in Saskatchewan.

Assistance Provided

The Canadian Red Cross is providing registration, reception and information, emergency accommodation, meals, and personal services for people evacuated from their homes located within the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, as well as the Lac La Ronge Indian Band communities.

To assist with the comfort and care of people being evacuated, the Canadian Red Cross is:
 

• Operating congregate shelters located in Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert.
• Welcoming people at five reception centres: two in Saskatoon, one in Regina, and two in Prince Albert.
• Providing accommodations through securing more than 1, 000 hotel rooms in Saskatchewan, to date.
• Providing food and supplies, such as cots, blankets, and pillows, to other locations upon request from community leadership.
• Providing mobile outreach services for people in Lloydminster, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Regina, North Battleford, and Unity.

Donations 

As of June 6, the Canadian Red Cross has raised $650,000 for the 2025 Saskatchewan Wildfires Appeal. This amount does not include matching funds from the Government of Canada.

Helpful Links

B-roll available of emergency shelters in Winnipeg. Please credit the Canadian Red Cross
Why misinformation is dangerous, especially during emergencies 
Coping with Crisis: expected reactions to abnormal events
Wildfires: Before, During and After