Canada wildfires: Manitoba declares emergency, seeks military help amid mass evacuations
The Canadian province of Manitoba has declared a state of emergency as wildfires swept across the region, prompting the evacuation of over 17,000 residents and the deployment of federal military assistance. Premier Wab Kinew called the situation 'the largest evacuation in most Manitobans' living memory.'
'The military is being called for help here because of the sheer scale of the 17,000 folks that we move relatively quickly,' Kinew said. 'I'm happy to say that Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed with the request.'
Among the hardest-hit communities is Flin Flon, where roughly 5,000 residents were ordered to leave by midnight on Tuesday due to an advancing wildfire from neighbouring Saskatchewan. 'Everybody has to be out by midnight and that includes me,' said Flin Flon Mayor George Fontaine. 'I'm busy packing a couple of things and everybody is getting as organised as we can.'
Firefighting efforts were temporarily hampered when water bombers were grounded due to a drone sighting in the area. There are currently 22 active wildfires in Manitoba, with reinforcements arriving from across Canada.
So far in 2025, Manitoba has recorded 102 wildfires — significantly higher than the seasonal average of 77 by this time, officials noted. The province is bracing for an intense wildfire season that typically runs from May through September.
While Manitoba fights to contain fires, neighbouring Alberta is also facing escalating wildfire threats. Several oil and gas operations have been affected.
Separately, a 1,600-hectare blaze burning near Swan Hills prompted the evacuation of approximately 1,200 residents on Monday.
Aspenleaf Energy, an oil and gas producer in the area, has halted operations and shut in about 4,000 barrels per day of oil equivalent production.
(With inputs from AP, BBC)
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