‘Chunks of our town could be gone': As wildfires rip across the prairies, Flin Flon, Manitoba, empties under a sky of smoke and fear

Economic Times

2 days ago

Reuters Smoke billows above a nearly deserted Flin Flon, Manitoba, as wildfires push closer to the northern mining city
The city of Flin Flon in Manitoba, Canada, stands nearly deserted as an aggressive wildfire continues to threaten the region as of May 31, 2025. Approximately 5,000 residents, including municipal officials and healthcare workers, have been evacuated due to the encroaching flames and heavy smoke.
Mayor George Fontaine expressed grave concern, stating, "Unless we get one heck of a boost, it's projected to take chunks out of our town and surrounding areas."
The wildfire, which originated in Creighton, Saskatchewan, earlier this week, has rapidly spread into Manitoba, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds. The situation has been exacerbated by the lack of rainfall in the forecast and temperatures ranging from the low to high 20s Celsius. Heavy smoke has grounded aerial firefighting efforts, including water bombers, hindering containment strategies.
Also Read: Out of control wildfire explodes across BC-Alberta border
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew declared a state of emergency in response to the escalating crisis, facilitating broader coordination for evacuations and resource deployment.
He emphasized the unprecedented scale of the evacuation, noting that over 17,000 residents have been displaced across the province. The Canadian Armed Forces have been mobilized to assist with evacuations, particularly in remote Indigenous communities like the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, where airlifts have been necessary due to impassable roads.
Evacuees are being accommodated in emergency centers across Manitoba, with facilities as far south as Winkler, near the US border, opening their doors to those affected.
The influx of displaced individuals has stretched local resources, prompting calls for additional support from neighboring provinces and the federal government. The United States has also contributed by dispatching 125 firefighters to aid in combating the blazes.
Also Read: Manitoba wildfires force mass evacuations, Pimicikamak Cree Nation hardest-hit
The broader region is grappling with multiple wildfires, with 23 active fires reported in Manitoba and 14 in Saskatchewan. In Alberta, the community of Swan Hills has seen 1,300 residents evacuated due to a separate wildfire threat. The cumulative effect of these fires has led to deteriorating air quality, with smoke drifting into parts of the United States, affecting cities like Minneapolis and Chicago. The collective efforts of emergency services, government agencies, and international partners remain focused on safeguarding communities and mitigating the impact of these devastating wildfires.