Winnipeg hotels open for wildfire evacuees as Alberta faces wind changes. The Global News
Wildfires Force Thousands to Leave Homes
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said hotels in Winnipeg are now open to help thousands fleeing wildfires. More than 17,000 people have left their homes in the last week. This includes all 5,000 people living in Flin Flon. Many evacuees found shelter in Brandon, The Pas, and Winnipeg. Manitoba is under a state of emergency because of the fires.
Emergency Centres and Hotel Space
Hotels in cities are filling up fast. To help, emergency centres offer extra space for those affected. Still, some First Nations leaders want provincial and federal leaders to ensure hotels give priority to evacuees. Kinew said about 1,000 hotel rooms will soon be ready for people in need.
“Nobody wants to sleep on a cot for more than a day or two, even in an emergency situation,” Kinew said at a news conference in Saskatoon. He added they are helping those who need special support first before helping others.
Some people from Pimicikamak Cree Nation have been sent as far as Niagara Falls, Ontario, for shelter.
Hotel Space Needed for Wildfire Relief
A meeting planned for higher courts in Manitoba and Saskatchewan was canceled to free up hotel rooms for evacuees. Manitoba had 25 wildfires active as of Sunday, with eight fires out of control. Cooler weather and rain are expected to help firefighters battle the flames, especially near Flin Flon. Fire crews said the fire there is contained outside the highway’s perimeter.
City officials said strong winds hit the area overnight but no buildings were lost.
Calls for Better Firefighting Resources
Kinew praised support from other provinces and regions. Still, he warned Canada must boost its firefighting tools. “We could use every water bomber we can get our hands on,” he said. Manitoba has ordered new water bombers, but they won’t arrive for five years.
Wildfires Affect Saskatchewan and Alberta Too
Thousands more people face wildfires in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Hot, dry weather helps fires grow and threatens towns. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said the whole country has offered help to the three Prairie provinces.
“Many others around this table are consistently reaching out to the three of us to offer resources,” Moe said. Saskatchewan has 18 active fires and several evacuation orders. More areas may need to be evacuated soon.
Alberta’s Fight Against Wildfires
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said strong, changing winds affect her province too. Firefighters sent to other provinces are returning to Alberta. Nearly 5,000 people have evacuated due to 26 uncontrolled fires.
“We are about to restart our emergency management committee,” Smith said. “We must respond quickly as many communities face evacuation.”
She also shared that Alberta’s campaign to cut human-caused fires has worked. The percentage of these fires dropped from 67% last year to 57% now. Smith hopes the federal government will support other provinces in doing the same.
