Dawson Trail Dispatch
Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!
Woodridge Area Wildfire Consumes Over 8,900 Hectares
Investigation Ongoing, Southeast Manitoba Maintains Strict Fire Restrictions
La Broquerie Fire Department jumped in to battle the forest fire in the southeast.
By Dan Guetre
A massive forest fire that ignited near Woodridge on May 10 and rapidly grew out of control has left a lasting impact on southeast Manitoba, consuming over 8,900 hectares of forestland and prompting evacuations, property damage, and a significant multi-agency response effort. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Originally reported as being “held” on May 11, the blaze quickly worsened, growing from under 20 hectares to a staggering 8,900 hectares before fire crews were able to bring it back under control by May 19. Volunteer firefighters from departments across the entire southeast joined local crews and emergency responders to
battle the blaze. Their coordinated efforts, bolstered by provincial assets, helped to eventually contain the fire’s spread and limit further damage. According to the La Broquerie Fire Department, a crew of five was dispatched around 10 a.m. on May 14 following a mutual aid request. On arrival, they were sent to Woodridge and later redirected to protect properties in the Florze area. As conditions shifted, they were re-tasked to assess and assist with evacuations in Badger, where they also set up sprinklers on properties near the fire’s head. A second La Broquerie crew departed at 5 p.m. to relieve the first team but ended up supporting the ongoing firefighting efforts. Both crews returned to base around 10 p.m. after a full day
Source: La Broquerie Fire Department/Facebook
of intense work. On May 15, the Reynolds Fire Department sent five members to support the RM of Piney Fire Department. Their efforts focused on setting up sprinkler systems to defend a threatened community. They were joined by crews from departments as far as Winkler, Altona, Morris, and others. “It looked very bleak for quite a while,” the department posted on social media, noting that shifting weather conditions forced changes in firefighting tactics. Fortunately, a timely and intense downpour helped suppress the fire just as it reached a clearing, giving crews the opportunity to go on the offensive. In a heartfelt statement issued May 20, the RM of Piney expressed deep gratitude for
the firefighting efforts. “There are no words that can adequately express the RM of Piney’s appreciation that we have for our Fire Departments and Manitoba Wildfire Services. Every volunteer that was out on the ground risking their lives deserves a standing ovation for the hard work, tireless hours, and countless times they risked their lives over the past week. We will forever be grateful for our fire departments and the men and women out there whose only mission is to keep everyone and our communities safe.” In the wake of the Woodridge fire, the southeast corner of Manitoba remains under Level 3 Travel and Fire Restrictions in order to prevent further wildfires. Continued on Page 3...
June 2025
Major Highway #12 Construction Projects Underway in Steinbach Area Significant highway improvements are now underway in the Steinbach region, with the Manitoba government investing $24 million into a series of construction projects along Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 12 aimed at improving safety, road quality, and long-term infrastructure resilience. “These rehabilitation projects are essential to building a stronger, more connected Manitoba,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor. “These investments ensure our infrastructure keeps people and goods moving on safe roadways.” The improvements involve the resurfacing and addition of fully paved shoulders to a 12-kilometre stretch of PTH 12 in both directions. This segment extends from just north of Park Road in Steinbach to the Seine River Diversion, near the Ste. Anne turnoff. The major portion of this work is scheduled to be completed by fall 2026. In addition, a separate resurfacing project is slated to ramp up, covering a 3.1-kilometre section of PTH 12 between McKenzie Avenue and Park Road in Steinbach, both northbound and southbound. That work is anticipated to be completed by fall 2025, according to the province. As work progresses, drivers in the area are advised of the following: - Northbound PTH 12 from Park Road East to the Seine River Diversion is under construction. Expect single-lane traffic, reduced speed limits, and active signage. Motorists should remain alert for workers and construction equipment. - Both directions of PTH 12 between McKenzie Avenue and the junction with Highway 52 are also under construction. Similar advisories apply — reduce speed, watch for marked signs, and exercise caution around construction crews. Keep up-to-date about the construction progress through Manitoba’s 511 Road Info service.