Manitoba’s spring wildfire season became deadly after two people were killed when flames swept through properties near Lac du Bonnet, about 100 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg.RCMP said the pair became trapped as an out of control blaze spread on Wednesday night. Premier Wab Kinew called the deaths “a tragedy” and ordered flags at the legislature lowered to half-mast.The fatalities came as crews battled 21 active fires across the province, more than triple the 20 year average for mid-May. .Six of those blazes are requiring significant resources, and six municipalities have declared states of emergency.The worst conditions remain in the Lac du Bonnet area. Helicopters and ground crews made some progress overnight as the fire’s heat eased, but it is still rated out of control and has destroyed homes around Wendigo Beach. More than 1,000 evacuees have registered, and officials believe the real number is higher because many cottage owners left without checking in..North of that zone, a massive fire near Bird River and Nopiming Provincial Park has grown to almost 100,000 hectares. The blaze is so volatile that crews are focusing on soaking cabins and lodges with water when wind shifts allow them to get brief access.To the east, Whiteshell Provincial Park is empty after Manitoba ordered a full evacuation. A 20,000 hectare fire burning just across the Ontario border continues to push smoke and embers westward, threatening cabins and campgrounds along the Winnipeg River system..Separate fires in the Rural Municipality of Piney, near The Pas, and along stretches of the Manitoba-Ontario boundary have forced more evacuations.Thick smoke, gusty winds, and dry vegetation are expected to continue into the weekend. Forecasters see no significant rain in the weather report, and officials warn new lightning sparked fires remain a real risk.Residents are urged to obey evacuation orders, stay off back roads, and monitor official updates.
