Canadian military ends wildfire operation in Garden Hill Anisininew Nation

CBC

16-07-2025

After helping over 1,500 people escape a wildfire near Garden Hill Anisininew Nation, the Canadian military is ending its wildfire evacuation efforts in northeastern Manitoba.
Manitoba is experiencing its worst wildfire season in 30 years and more than 10,000 square kilometres of land has burned. Fires remain out of control near evacuated communities, including Garden Hill, Lynn Lake, Marcel Colomb First Nation and Leaf Rapids.
A week ago, a full evacuation was ordered for Garden Hill due to a wildfire that continues to threaten the community of more than 4,500 people on the north shore of Island Lake, about 475 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg.
Management of wildfire evacuation efforts in Garden Hill were again within the province's capability as of 7:30 p.m. CT Monday, the Department of National Defence said in a news release on Wednesday morning.
The conditions also met the threshold for the military's personnel and equipment to return to their home units, the release said.
Over 1,500 people were evacuated from Garden Hill by the Armed Forces since July 9, the Department of National Defence said.
The number of military personnel involved fluctuated, but over 60 Canadian Armed Forces members were deployed to directly support the operation at its peak, the Department of National Defence said. Four Hercules aircraft were also used at the height of the operation.