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Manitoba Wildfires Response 2025

In July 2025, multiple communities in Manitoba were evacuated because of wildfires.

We continue to work closely with various levels of government and community partners to support those impacted by the wildfires. We are supporting individuals, families, and communities with their recovery.

Available recovery support

Financial assistance for early recovery

Thanks to donations to the 2025 Manitoba Wildfires Appeal and matching funds provided by the Province of Manitoba, we distributed one-time financial assistance for early recovery to households that received emergency financial assistance while they were evacuated due to the wildfires. This financial assistance program is now closed.

Support to Small Businesses Program

This program provides financial assistance to eligible small businesses that were directly impacted by the wildfires.

Visit our program page for more information and find out how to apply.

Grants for community organizations

Community organizations play an important role in their communities, especially after a disaster. We are offering grant funding to fire departments in eligible communities to support recovery from the wildfires and strengthen their capacity to respond to future wildfire events.

Visit our grants page for more information and find out how to apply.

Helpful resources

The resources below may help as you return home after a wildfire.

Emergencies affect our well-being and mental health. They can disrupt our routines and our access to social support. Emergencies happen with little warning, and recovery can seem overwhelming.

The guides below can help you and your loved ones navigate this difficult time.

During a crisis, you may feel overwhelmed or find it difficult to get through the day. Many people experience this. Help is available. If you are feeling overwhelmed, contact your local health facility or a local crisis support line.

For immediate assistance anywhere in Canada, call the Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8.

Canadian Red Cross response summary

As part of its emergency support to people evacuated due to the wildfires in Manitoba, the Canadian Red Cross:

  • Registered more than 32,700 people from over 12,600 households evacuated due to the wildfires in Manitoba. This includes people from more than 7,400 households on behalf of Indigenous Services Canada, and more than 5,200 households on behalf of the Province of Manitoba.
  • Secured more than 2,600 hotel rooms for evacuees in Manitoba.
  • Coordinated the scheduling of flights and buses and engaged with other partners to secure modes of transportation for the arrival of people being evacuated into Winnipeg and for those now returning home, where possible.
  • Provided health-related support to more than 4,900 people who had been evacuated, including health referrals and transport to medical appointments.
  • Operated three congregate shelters in Winnipeg.
  • Provided emergency lodging, food, personal services, well-being supports, and supplies, including diapers, formula, snacks, cots, blankets, pillows, and hygiene items at congregate shelter sites.
  • Deployed outreach teams to provide registration, information and well-being support to those staying in communities without a reception centre, including Dauphin, Swan River, Portage La Prairie, Gimli, Hecla, Selkirk, and Pinawa.
  • Provided emergency supplies such as cots, blankets, and generators for an additional 12 shelter sites in First Nation and non-First Nation communities in Manitoba to support evacuated communities, as requested.
  • Assisted the province with shelters they ran in Portage la Prairie and Winkler, by providing cots, blankets, and food services to support people.
  • Provided urgent supplies for communities that remain in place, such as food, air purifiers and other requested equipment.
  • Mobilized more than 1,000 Canadian Red Cross volunteers and employees to support the Red Cross response to wildfires in Manitoba.

*Figures provided are as of September 29, 2025.

FRAUD ALERT: Unfortunately, there are some people who may try to take advantage of those impacted by a disaster through fraudulent tactics. The Canadian Red Cross communicates only via email, phone, or in person and would never send a link through a text message for a person to click on to receive funds. We will never ask for your social insurance number, bank account information, or credit card number during your registration or to receive assistance. The Canadian Red Cross encourages people to stay informed from credible sources, such as the Government of Canada’s website for fraud prevention tips. If you suspect you have been a victim of fraudulent activity, please contact your local police authority.