Flin Flon, Man., virtually deserted, thousands more evacuees expected as fires rage

By Canadian Press on May 30, 2025.

WINNIPEG — Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says thousands more evacuees are expected and the city of Flin Flon is virtually deserted as wildfires continue to rage in his province.

Kinew says the mayor, councillors and all other officials have had to depart Flin Flon, leaving behind only fire crews.

George Fontaine, the mayor of Flin Flon, has said fierce winds are threatening to breach city limits and begin burning structures in the city of 5,000, located northwest of Winnipeg.

All residents, along with 1,000 more in the surrounding area, have had to leave.

They are among 17,000 people reported so far to be out of their homes due to a number of wildfires burning in remote regions from the northwest to the southeast.

Kinew says as the fires grow, thousands more evacuees can be expected and that communities like Winnipeg, Thompson and The Pas have already stepped up to help provide food and shelter.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 30, 2025.

The Canadian Press