Severe wildfires in Manitoba have prompted the evacuation of 17,000 residents. Officials have declared a state of emergency as multiple blazes burn throughout the province, urging communities to seek shelter in urban areas like Winnipeg.
Thousands Evacuate in Manitoba as Wildfires Rage Out of Control
Thousands Evacuate in Manitoba as Wildfires Rage Out of Control
State of emergency declared across the province as communities face severe wildfire threats
In an alarming response to raging wildfires, the Manitoba government declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, particularly affecting the towns of Flin Flon, and surrounding First Nations of Pimicikamak and Mathias Colomb. Approximately 17,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate as the fires threaten safety and infrastructure.
Premier Wab Kinew addressed the situation at a news briefing, pointing out the necessity for the community to relocate to urban centers, particularly Winnipeg, where emergency shelters and援助 are being set up. “This is the largest evacuation that Manitoba has seen in most people’s living memory,” Kinew emphasized.
The army will assist with the evacuations due to their extensive scale, as Kinew noted, "The military is being called for help here because of the sheer scale." The situation has escalated rapidly, with many evacuees needing shelters in areas like community arenas and sports grounds.
Mayor George Fontaine of Flin Flon urged residents to leave by midnight as they prepared for evacuation. Wildfires have already led to tragic outcomes in Manitoba earlier this month when two residents perished in a town due to the overwhelming spread of flames.
As of Wednesday, Manitoba was battling 22 separate wildfires, with 11 categorized as out of control. One prominent fire near Flin Flon already spanned approximately 50,000 acres, while another fire near Sherridon reached over 100,000 acres. Kinew assured those displaced that they would find support and community spirit in those receiving them. “This is a moment of fear and uncertainty. But I want to tell you that your fellow Manitobans will welcome you,” he stated.
Premier Wab Kinew addressed the situation at a news briefing, pointing out the necessity for the community to relocate to urban centers, particularly Winnipeg, where emergency shelters and援助 are being set up. “This is the largest evacuation that Manitoba has seen in most people’s living memory,” Kinew emphasized.
The army will assist with the evacuations due to their extensive scale, as Kinew noted, "The military is being called for help here because of the sheer scale." The situation has escalated rapidly, with many evacuees needing shelters in areas like community arenas and sports grounds.
Mayor George Fontaine of Flin Flon urged residents to leave by midnight as they prepared for evacuation. Wildfires have already led to tragic outcomes in Manitoba earlier this month when two residents perished in a town due to the overwhelming spread of flames.
As of Wednesday, Manitoba was battling 22 separate wildfires, with 11 categorized as out of control. One prominent fire near Flin Flon already spanned approximately 50,000 acres, while another fire near Sherridon reached over 100,000 acres. Kinew assured those displaced that they would find support and community spirit in those receiving them. “This is a moment of fear and uncertainty. But I want to tell you that your fellow Manitobans will welcome you,” he stated.
