Fire spreads through a forested area near Flin Flon in northern Manitoba. The Canadian Press
Wildfires have destroyed over a million hectares of forest in Manitoba this year. The damage has forced Premier Wab Kinew to declare a second provincewide state of emergency. The military has been called in to help with evacuations from remote communities. More than 12,600 people have had to leave their homes, some for the second time.
Evacuations Continue Across the Province
Kinew urged people to understand how serious the wildfire season has become. Loud emergency alerts echoed during his announcement. He stressed the need for more shelters for people fleeing the fires.
The situation is part of a bigger crisis. Several provinces, including Saskatchewan, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, are facing early and aggressive fire seasons. Saskatchewan has started flying out residents from the northern hamlet of Patuanak.
Military and Federal Help Arrives
Over 100 fires are burning across Manitoba, mostly in the north. The federal government has sent military aircraft to move people from remote areas to safer places. This year, Manitoba has already seen over 250 wildfires, which is well above the usual number of 194.
“This is the worst year in our 30 years of records,” said Kristin Hayward from Manitoba Natural Resources.
Communities in Danger
In May, two people died in a fire near Lac du Bonnet. That fire also destroyed many homes in the cottage area. Nine communities are now under mandatory evacuation orders. Officials are asking people not to return home yet, as it could put lives at risk.
Snow Lake, a town northwest of Winnipeg, had to evacuate again. A fire is just 16 kilometers away and strong winds are pushing it closer. “We expected a long, dry, and painful summer,” said Mayor Ron Scott. “Fires are everywhere.”
In the northeast, Garden Hill First Nation is under threat. The military began evacuations early Thursday before the emergency was declared.
David Monias, chief of Pimicikamak Cree Nation, shared his pain as community members had to leave again. “Many had just come back home,” he said. “There’s lightning starting fires even after it rains.”
Emergency Housing and Support
About 600 people near Lynn Lake and 350 in Leaf Rapids were ordered to evacuate again. Around 13,000 people from Thompson are being told to prepare in case they need to leave. Most evacuees will go to shelters in Winnipeg. Hotels are being saved for elders and those with medical needs.
Some 1,400 people are still staying in Niagara Falls, Ontario. They’ve been there since June because Manitoba couldn’t find enough housing nearby.
Wildfire Conditions Expected to Worsen
Over 510 wildfires are burning across Canada. More than 140 are out of control. Experts warn that dry weather and high heat could cause even more fires this summer.
