City of Thompson updates its wildfire protection plan
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Thompson city council has unanimously adopted an updated Community Wildfire Protection Plan following a record-setting 2025 wildfire season.
The 2026 revision, approved Aug. 11, is intended to co-ordinate wildfire preparedness, response and mitigation across Thompson and the surrounding area. The plan covers an eight-kilometre radius around the city, encompassing roughly 200 square kilometres.
The need for improved co-ordination was highlighted last summer when Fire 061, reported July 4 about eight kilometres north of Thompson Regional Airport, grew from an estimated 10 hectares to more than 1,000 hectares in a single day. The fire ultimately reached more than 22,000 hectares.
The updated plan brings together the City of Thompson, Thompson Fire and Emergency Services, the Manitoba Wildfire Service, the Emergency Management Organization and mutual-aid partners.
It includes updated maps identifying fire behaviour, neighbourhoods, infrastructure, water sources, evacuation needs and other values at risk. Pre-response maps, contact lists, sprinkler zones and evacuation information have also been organized to give agencies a shared picture during an emergency.
The city has expanded its mitigation work, including fireguards built in July and August 2025, with the Manitoba Wildfire Service and increased mechanical brushing in priority areas. Fuelwood permitting remains part of the city’s fuel-reduction strategy.
Thompson has also added two skid steers equipped with brushers, six brush saws and four chainsaws to support wildfire mitigation.
A joint wildfire exercise involving the city, Thompson Fire and Emergency Services, Manitoba Wildfire Service and EMO was held in May 2025 to test inter-agency co-ordination.
The plan establishes advisory, watch, alert and evacuation trigger points to help agencies make decisions earlier as wildfire conditions develop.
Public education and FireSmart outreach are also included, with recent efforts taking place at community trade shows, Wapohnak School, Fire Prevention Week and a May 2026 FireSmart preparation event.
The city will review maps, contacts and completed mitigation work annually. Future priorities include continued brushing, thinning, debris treatment and fireguard maintenance, as well as incorporating FireSmart principles into future municipal infrastructure projects.
» Winnipeg Sun