1989 Manitoba wildfires
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From May to September 1989, Canada experienced one of the worst wildfire seasons in its history.[1][2][3] The fires were primarily concentrated in the northern part of Manitoba; parts of neighbouring provinces Saskatchewan and Ontario were also affected.[4] Public Safety Canada reported that Manitoba experienced 1,229 wildfires.[1] The wildfires set a record for area burned in Canada; the record was surpassed by the 2023 fire season.[5][6] The fires were the largest and most expensive in Manitoba's history.[7]
The fires were caused by natural and human causes; Manitoba was already experiencing drought.[7][8] Conditions worsened in July due to a "combination of dry weather, temperatures in the 90-degree [32 °C] range and lightning".[4] A July report indicated that about 20 communities were affected, most of them being First Nations reserves.[4][9] Overall, about 25,000 people from approximately 25 communities were evacuated, with many being flown to Winnipeg.[1]