Just a heads-up for anyone who’s been holding off on backyard bonfires or outdoor celebrations: the fire ban in Winnipeg has officially been lifted! After two weeks of dry conditions and wildfire concerns, the City has cleared the way for people to safely enjoy open flames again. Here's a quick update in case you missed it.

📅 What’s the Latest?

• As of May 19, 2025, the City lifted the fire ban that had been in place since earlier this month.

• All the activities that were off-limits under the ban are now allowed again. That includes:

  • ✅ Open fires

  • ✅ Backyard fire pits

  • ✅ Fireworks

  • ✅ Fire pits in City parks

  • ✅ Solid fuel-burning appliances (like wood-burning stoves and chimineas)

So, if you’ve been waiting to light up the fire pit or had a fireworks night planned, you’re good to go—as long as it's done safely and responsibly.

Why the Ban Happened in the First Place

The fire ban was put in place because of how dry it had gotten lately. There were serious wildfire risks across the province, with fires already burning in places like The Pas and Lac du Bonnet. It was a necessary move to help reduce any extra fire hazards in and around the city.

Manitoba’s Wildfire Situation

• In Northern Manitoba, wildfires are still active and being closely monitored.

• Lac du Bonnet experienced a tragic fire that took two lives and damaged almost 30 homes.

• Some areas outside Winnipeg are still under evacuation orders, so while things are easing up locally, caution is still important. Click save

🔥 A Few Fire Safety Reminders

1. Keep the area around your fire pit clear—no dry grass or leaves nearby.

2. Never leave any fire unattended.

3. Fully extinguish everything before heading back inside or leaving the site. Click save

Quick FAQs

• Can people have backyard fires again?
  Yep! Fire pits, fireworks, and solid-fuel appliances are all good to go.

• Are wildfires still a concern?
  Yes. Some regions in Manitoba are still dealing with active fires, especially near Lac du Bonnet.

• Where can people check for updates?
  The City of Winnipeg’s fire ban page is the go-to for official status changes.

In a Nutshell

It’s great news for anyone who’s been missing the crackle of a backyard fire or had a fireworks night on hold. Just because the ban’s lifted doesn’t mean the risk is completely gone—so be smart, stay alert, and enjoy the freedom to fire things up again (safely).