LYNN LAKE — Thousands more wildfire evacuees in Manitoba and Saskatchewan will start making the trek home in the coming days as officials in the provinces continue to lift evacuation orders.
In Manitoba, the 600 residents of the town of Lynn Lake were given the go ahead to return to the community, 775 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, starting Friday morning.
In a social media post, the town said buses would be arranged for those who need help with transportation.
"An evacuation alert will remain in place," the town said in the statement. "While it is now safe to return, residents must remain prepared to evacuate again with little notice if fire conditions worsen."
Residents were forced out a little more than one month ago by an out-of-control blaze that stands at 71 square kilometres. Active fire and hot spots remain and the risk of smoke and falling ash continues.
Further south, residents of the city of Flin Flon have been told they can expect to start coming home by the middle of next week as officials prepare to lift their mandatory evacuation order.
Deputy Mayor Alison Dallas-Funk, in a social media post Thursday, said the order is expected to be lifted Wednesday morning, a month after the city's 5,100 residents were forced out by a massive wildfire that began days earlier in nearby Creighton, Sask.
She said most critical services and businesses, including power and gas, would be ready to go by Sunday. Barring further fire activity, she said council would meet Monday to officially rescind the order.
"Please be careful, all of the highways are going to be extremely busy," said Dallas-Funk.
She said health services would be available in a limited capacity and added the grocery store won't have much in stock.
Manitoba's wildfire service has made progress fighting the 3,700-square-kilometre fire near Flin Flon, but weather has hindered efforts.
The province is experiencing one of its worst fire seasons. At the peak of evacuations, about 21,000 people were out of their homes, putting acute pressure on the province’s 15,000 or so hotel rooms.
In Saskatchewan, residents of Creighton and Denare Beach near the Manitoba boundary were told they can start returning Sunday.
The town of Creighton, with 1,200 residents, said on social media those with medical needs should not go back until the hospital is fully open.
"There is a lack of medical services, essential services and motel accommodations," the town said Friday. "Please ensure to bring a week's supply of groceries and medications."
In Denare Beach, the village said those who have lost their homes must secure accommodations before re-entry.
"No residents are permitted to enter or touch anyone else's properties," the village said on social media.
Marlo Pritchard, with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, said they are setting up temporary or permanent shelters for residents in Denare Beach. The agency has requested tents and two base camps from the federal government.
"I don't have a timeline, but I do know that we will be meeting those community leaders next week," Pritchard said.
Steve Roberts, also with the agency, said 299 homes and 60 cabins burned. The province is working to send $500 payouts to all evacuees 18 years and older at a total estimated cost close to $4 million.
The agency reported 19 active wildfires in the province, including five out of control. Five communities remain under an evacuation order.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 20, 2025.
-- By David Boles and Aaron Sousa in Edmonton and Jeremy Simes in Regina
The Canadian Press
