Canadian province of Manitoba declares a state of emergency over wildfires as thousands flee

Manitoba has declared a state of emergency as wildfires continue to rage across the province. More than 17,000 residents have been forced to evacuate, prompting a federal response that includes military support.

“This is the largest evacuation Manitoba will have seen in most peoples’ living memory,” Premier Wab Kinew said on Monday. “The military is being called for help here because of the sheer scale of the 17,000 folks that we move relatively quickly.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that the federal government will deploy military assistance to help evacuate residents and support firefighting efforts.

Entire Communities on the Move

Flames are threatening multiple communities. One of the hardest hit is the northern city of Flin Flon, which ordered all 5,000 of its residents to evacuate. City officials instructed people to pack essentials and head south by midnight.

“Everybody has to be out by midnight and that includes me,” said Flin Flon Mayor George Fontaine. “I’m busy packing a couple of things and everybody is getting as organized as we can.”

Residents were directed to take Highway 10 — the only exit route — which leads to Winnipeg, the provincial capital nearly 400 miles away.

In neighboring Saskatchewan, the town of Creighton also issued a full evacuation order. The wildfire responsible began just north of the Manitoba border on Monday and has grown rapidly.

Emergency Measures Underway

The state of emergency grants Manitoba officials special powers to manage the situation. It allows for rapid transportation, organized shelter, and streamlined coordination with federal teams.

As of Tuesday, there were 22 active wildfires burning across the province. Water bombers and ground crews are working around the clock. However, firefighting efforts have been hampered by unauthorized drone activity. Drones can interfere with aircraft and have already grounded water bombers at critical moments.

One firefighter with Parks Canada was severely injured over the weekend, highlighting the dangers crews face.

Record-Setting Fire Activity

Manitoba has seen 102 fires so far this year — a significant jump from the historical average of 77 by late May. Officials are concerned the season will only intensify in the coming months.

Canada’s wildfire season typically lasts from May through September. Last year marked the worst wildfire season in the country’s history. According to Natural Resources Canada, more than 45 million acres burned in 2023, with smoke affecting air quality across the continent.

“Smoke doesn’t respect borders,” said Michael Norton, a director with the Canadian Forest Service, in a 2023 interview. “These fires will have impacts across the U.S. as well.”

In fact, a recent forecast by Canada’s environment ministry warns that this year’s conditions are similar to those that fueled last year’s devastating fires. That means American states along the border, especially those downwind, should also prepare for smoke and poor air quality in the coming weeks.

Support and Solidarity

In the face of crisis, Canadians are stepping up. Firefighters from across the country have been deployed to help. Emergency shelters are opening in southern cities, and volunteers are providing supplies to those displaced.

Premier Kinew praised the cooperation: “We are grateful to all who are helping. This is a time for unity, courage, and fast action.”

Officials are urging residents to stay informed and avoid flying drones near fire zones. Not only do they interfere with aircraft, but drone operators may also face legal penalties.

More evacuations could follow, depending on wind and weather conditions. Authorities continue to monitor the fire lines and smoke forecasts closely.

For now, the focus remains on safety and survival. As thousands flee, the hope is that early action will prevent loss of life.

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