When Lori Forbes thinks back to last spring, it’s hard for her not to feel emotional.

“Looking back, it’s pretty overwhelming all the things we actually worked through during that time,” Forbes said.

Six months ago, wildfires threatened much of Manitoba, including in the RM of Kelsey where Forbes works as the Municipal Emergency Coordinator. Cranberry Portage residents were forced to evacuate.

“This is the second year in a row we evacuated Cranberry Portage in 2024 and again in 2025 and the rest of our RM was in 2025,” Forbes said.

2025 was Manitoba’s worst wildfire season in at least 30 years. Forbes says they’re working every day to prepare for next year’s potential fires.

“What needs to change? What do we need to improve?” Forbes said.

Manitoba currently has 66 active wildfires. S

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