After a fierce wildfire forces evacuation, hundreds return home in Lac du Bonnet—yet many face total loss and ongoing fire risks

Residents of Lac du Bonnet in Manitoba are slowly returning to their homes following a devastating wildfire that forced nearly 1,000 people to evacuate. The blaze, now contained, tragically claimed two lives and left a trail of destruction so severe that many properties have been completely destroyed.

Reeve Loren Schinkel described the scene as “apocalyptic,” noting the intense heat, reaching up to 1,600 degrees Celsius — vaporised buildings rather than leaving the usual rubble. “Everything’s disintegrated,” Schinkel said. “It was like a demon, a creature that chose its path and did its damage.”

Since May 13, officials have gradually allowed residents back into safer zones of the rural municipality. On Tuesday, about 650 residents were permitted to return, including those in the Cape Coppermine, Granite Hills, and parts of the Lee River areas. However, some parts of the region, including Grausdin Point and north Wendigo, remain under evacuation orders due to ongoing fire risks and hotspots.

One of the most heartrending losses was that of Sue and Richard Nowell, who died attempting to rescue their pet as the fire engulfed their home near East Wendigo Road. Manitoba MLA Wayne Ewasko paid tribute to the couple’s bravery and selflessness in the legislature, describing their final moments as “filled with love.”

For those able to return, the reality is a sobering one. Many face complete loss, with no walls or rubble left to salvage. The fire’s speed — travelling at five kilometres per hour at its peak — and extreme temperatures left homes and cottages utterly destroyed. This includes melted boats and damaged trailers reported around Beresford Lake near the nearby Bird River/Nopiming fire, which remains out of control and covers over 100,000 hectares, dwarfing the Lac du Bonnet fire’s 4,000 hectares.

The wildfire emergency continues to affect surrounding areas, with evacuation orders still in place east of Belluk Road and along Highways 313 and 315, including communities such as Pinawa Bay and Sunset Bay. Residents like Marilyn Hoskins, whose home remains off-limits, expressed frustration but accepted the situation with patience, saying, “Mother Nature is not happy with us.”

Efforts to fully contain the fires continue. Fire crews have been battling hotspots that can flare up unexpectedly, especially in peatlands where underground smouldering can erupt again. Helicopters continue to drop water while crews dig in vulnerable areas to prevent further spread.

Elsewhere in Manitoba, other wildfires also pose risks. The Bird River/Nopiming fire remains a serious threat, with widespread destruction and concerns that if it advances toward populated areas, the consequences would be devastating. Meanwhile, a fire impacting Whiteshell Provincial Park has grown to more than 31,000 hectares, and several smaller fires remain active but are being closely monitored.

The rural municipality of Piney saw some relief as an evacuation order was lifted after its fire status changed to “being held,” allowing residents to return.

As the community of Lac du Bonnet and nearby areas begin the slow process of recovery, officials continue to urge vigilance. The wildfire season in Manitoba remains active with 11 fires currently burning across the province, highlighting the ongoing challenge of managing nature’s fury.