.jpg)
Manitoba has declared a provincial state of emergency as dozens of wildfires continue to burn across the province, threatening communities, infrastructure, and natural resources.
An emergency alert issued Tuesday warns of rapidly spreading fires and extreme fire conditions, particularly in northern and eastern Manitoba, where several communities have already been evacuated or placed under evacuation alerts.
Premier Wab Kinew held a press conference on Wednesday evening and said the state of emergency will involve "the largest evacuation Manitoba will have seen in most people's living memory." Kinew says around 17,000 will be evacuated from various communities in Northern Manitoba, including the City of Flin Flon.
Kinew says he spoke with Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier today and asked for the assistance of the military, which Carney approved.
The premier says that three northern communities declared evacuation orders within a short time of one another on Wednesday afternoon. He says that the state of emergency will allow the government to move quickly, including setting up emergency shelters at soccer fields in Winnipeg.
Fires burning out of control across the province
The Manitoba Wildfire Service (MWS) says 22 fires are currently burning across the province, bringing the total to 102 wildfires so far this year—well above the five-year average of 78 for this time of year. Several of the fires are classified as “out of control,” with high winds and dry conditions fuelling their growth.
In the east, a major wildfire near Bird River—labelled EA061—has grown to over 124,000 hectares and remains out of control. Provincial Road 315 has been closed at Poplar Bay Road, with no access to the Bird River area or further toward Bissett. Another fire near the Ontario border, known as EA063, has crossed from Ontario into Manitoba and is burning more than 3,700 hectares on the Manitoba side alone.
In western Manitoba, a 40,000-hectare fire near Sherridon has forced the community to evacuate and declare a state of local emergency. A separate fire just two kilometres from Flin Flon is also considered out of control and is estimated at 20,000 hectares.
The situation is equally dire in the north. Fires near Lynn Lake, Cross Lake, Wabowden, and Jenpeg have triggered emergency declarations in each of those communities. The fire near Lynn Lake (NO002) is currently over 7,000 hectares in size, while the fire threatening Cross Lake (NO006) is about 1,500 hectares and also remains out of control.
Residents in affected or nearby areas are being urged to prepare emergency “go kits” and be ready to evacuate with little notice. The province warns that the wildfire threat remains high, especially in eastern Manitoba, and conditions could worsen in the coming days.
Declaring a state of emergency allows governments to expend funds and mobilize
Evacuations, air quality concerns, and travel restrictions
Air quality has also been impacted across much of the province, with thick smoke reported in numerous communities. Officials advise people—particularly those with respiratory conditions—to stay indoors and avoid strenuous outdoor activity when possible.
Fire and travel restrictions remain in place across large swaths of the province. No open fires or campfires are permitted, even in approved pits. Certain areas, including Fire Areas 1, 2 and 3, remain at Level 3 restrictions, while other regions are under a full burn ban. Residents are encouraged to check the latest restrictions at www.gov.mb.ca/conservation_fire/Restrictions before heading outdoors.
Travel in wildfire zones is strongly discouraged. Provincial officials are asking people to avoid any non-essential trips through affected areas and to check www.manitoba511.ca for the latest highway closures and conditions.
The province also reminds the public that flying drones near forest fires is illegal and extremely dangerous. Unauthorized drones interfere with water bombers and firefighting crews, putting lives at risk, the province says. On Tuesday water bombers fighting the Flin Flon fire had to be grounded due to drones in the area.
Anyone who sees a wildfire is asked to call 911 or the province’s TIP line at 1-800-782-0076. Those in need of assistance or trying to connect with local emergency services can call 211 from anywhere in Manitoba or visit mb.211.ca.
More information and updates are available at www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire and through the Manitoba government’s social media accounts.