In May, Manitoba faced a surge in wildfires that led to the evacuation of 32,000 individuals due to a shortage of fire rangers. According to information obtained by CBC News through freedom of information laws, the Wildfire Service had 25% of its positions vacant, with 15 full-time positions and 64 seasonal fire ranger positions unfilled.
Among the vacant positions were key roles such as fire managers, fire operations managers, and a regional fire technician. The absence of personnel in critical positions, including the manager responsible for the air attack program, equipment purchases, and wildfire mitigation planning, highlighted the staffing challenges within the Wildfire Service.
Jesse Guenther, co-owner of Nopiming Lodge, expressed concerns about the lack of preparedness reflected in the vacancies and unfilled positions that affected the evacuation process during the wildfires. Despite the swift response from fire crews, the impact of the wildfires resulted in significant disruptions, including the closure of campgrounds and financial losses for businesses like Nopiming Lodge.
During the 2025 wildfire season, the Wildfire Service fell short of its target of hiring 301 seasonal fire rangers, only managing to fill 237 positions. This shortfall, combined with the unprecedented scale of wildfires, emphasized the critical role of fire rangers as the frontline defense against fires.
The recruitment of fire rangers remains a challenge in Manitoba due to lower wages compared to other provinces, as highlighted by Kyle Ross, president of the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union. The province aims to address the staffing issues and ensure full staffing for the upcoming wildfire seasons to enhance response capabilities and safeguard communities from future wildfire risks.
