Thompson Fire and Emergency Services and the Manitoba Wildfire Service are clearing brush, deadfall, and other wildfire fuel along the Millennium Trail this week to reduce the risk of wildfires spreading into nearby neighbourhoods. The work is part of ongoing efforts to make areas around Thompson safer from wildfire threats.
The fuel reduction work will begin between the trail and Sturgeon and Sager Crescents, then continue through Westwood toward River Road and the TRCC and UCN area. Residents in these neighbourhoods may notice crews working near their properties.
Mayor Colleen Smook says reducing fuel close to homes can make a major difference if a wildfire breaks out. The effort aligns with Thompson’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan, the first of its kind in Manitoba, which aims to prevent dangerous wildfires near the city and protect property and infrastructure.
Thompson Fire & Emergency Services has also received a Wawanesa Community Wildfire Prevention Grant to support vegetation management. The grant helps remove dead trees, brush, and ladder fuels along treelines bordering residential areas.
This year’s prevention work comes after a devastating 2025 wildfire season in Manitoba that revealed gaps in northern infrastructure and evacuation response. In response, the province has enhanced wildfire preparedness for 2026, including a new initial attack fire base in the Thompson area and additional seasonal positions. More details on the city’s wildfire plan are available on the City of Thompson website.
