Latest news with #LisaNaylor
Cedar News
an hour ago
- Cedar News
Manitoba Urges Tourists to Reconsider Visits as Wildfire Evacuations Surge to 21,000
WINNIPEG — As wildfires continue to devastate parts of the province, Manitoba is urging tourists to rethink their travel plans. The government is scrambling to find shelter for an influx of evacuees, now numbering 21,000. 'This is one of the largest evacuations in our province's history,' said Lisa Naylor, Manitoba's Minister of Emergency Management, in a statement on Monday. 'The government anticipates there may be a need for more hotel rooms as the wildfire season continues. For that reason, we are urging Manitobans and Canadians to reconsider non-essential travel and event plans within Manitoba.' The rapid increase in evacuees has put immense pressure on local infrastructure and accommodation resources. Naylor emphasized that the provincial government, in collaboration with its partners, is working urgently to find suitable housing for those displaced, taking into consideration their comfort, medical, and family needs. While acknowledging the difficult nature of the decision, Naylor stressed the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of those affected by the wildfires. 'We absolutely know how important tourism is to Manitoba, and we are very mindful of the many workers whose livelihoods depend on a strong tourism sector,' she said. The province is currently in a state of emergency as wildfires continue to pose a significant threat. Local authorities are encouraging residents and visitors to stay updated on the latest advisories and consider postponing travel to areas most impacted by the fires.
National Observer
4 hours ago
- National Observer
Manitoba asks tourists to stay away as 21,000 people flee wildfires
Manitoba urged tourists Monday to hit pause on visiting the province for now as it fights to find shelter for a growing legion of wildfire evacuees that has now reached 21,000. It was one of multiple provinces battling marauding forest fires that have spawned sweeping, soaring tendrils of gauzy wood smoke across the country and beyond. 'This is one of the largest evacuations in our province's history,' said Lisa Naylor, the Manitoba minister in charge of emergency management. 'The government anticipates there may be a need for more hotel rooms as the wildfire season continues. For that reason, we are urging Manitobans and Canadians to reconsider non-essential travel and event plans within Manitoba." Naylor acknowledged it's a difficult situation. 'We absolutely know how important tourism is to Manitoba and we are very mindful of the many workers whose livelihoods depend on a strong tourism sector.' The Manitoba Hotel Association estimates there are 15,000 hotel rooms in the province. The province has set up four congregate shelters for wildfire evacuees, with reception centres in Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson. Manitoba has more than 300 firefighters battling blazes from the remote northwest down through the southeast. Crews have come from other provinces and the United States, and more U.S. crews were expected Monday. There were 28 active wildfires as of Monday, 10 of which are out of control. Continued firefighting, along with a bit of weekend rain, has kept the fires from overwhelming evacuated communities. The largest fire, menacing the city of Flin Flon and its surrounding communities, spans more than 3,000 square kilometres. All 5,000 residents of Flin Flon and thousands more in the surrounding area remain out. In north-central Manitoba, fires have forced 6,700 out of the Pimicikamak Cree Nation. In total, there are 27 communities under evacuation orders. Kristin Hayward, with the Manitoba Wildfire Service, said 74 charges and 28 warnings have been issued for those breaking the fire rules. She referred to two arson charges laid by RCMP last month, but said arson is not a widespread problem. 'The majority of what we see are fires that start because of carelessness,' Hayward said. Thousands also remained out of their homes in Saskatchewan and Alberta, including between 10,000 and 15,000 in Saskatchewan alone. Saskatchewan officials, in a Monday update, said rain has helped crews contain the fires while allowing residents, including those in the hamlet of Weyakwin and some from Pelican Narrows, to return. 'We're now turning a corner,' said Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod. Crews are battling 25 wildfires, and 33 communities are under full or limited evacuation orders. McLeod said they have asked the federal government to provide two base camps to support crews and tents for sheltering up to 200 people as the work begins to clean up and rebuild damaged communities. About 7,000 in and around La Ronge remain out of their homes. In northern Ontario, officials said Canada's military has evacuated more than 700 people out of harm's way as a major wildfire threatens the Sandy Lake First Nation near the Manitoba boundary. It's unclear how many residents are still waiting to be evacuated from the community of more than 2,000. In British Columbia, the provincial wildfire service said crews were preparing for "extreme fire behaviour" in the province's northeast as a second dry cold front was forecast to move through. The service said strong wind gusts are expected in some areas, which could fan the flames. The warning comes after the Pocket Knife Creek wildfire formed over the weekend, quickly growing into a wildfire of note — one of three in B.C.'s northeast that have prompted a series of evacuation orders. There are currently more than 80 fires burning, with more than half listed as out of control. Meanwhile, smoke from the fires was moving from a transnational problem to a transglobal one. Environment Canada meteorologist Steven Flisfeder said that from B.C. to Quebec, Canadians could likely see and smell the sooty wildfire smoke staining the country's skies orange and red. "We're seeing smoke present almost everywhere," Flisfeder said. "When we look at satellite imagery, we can see the presence of smoke stemming from these wildfires making their way across the Atlantic towards the U.K. and parts of Europe." He said the haze in the Earth's upper atmosphere isn't dangerous, but that there is always the chance it descends and becomes a health risk. Flisfeder added winds are expected to shift in the coming days.
Toronto Sun
5 hours ago
- Climate
- Toronto Sun
Manitoba government urges tourists not to visit as 21,000 people flee wildfires
Published Jun 09, 2025 • 4 minute read Wildfires near Wanless, Manitoba on May 27, 2025. Photo by Manitoba government via AP / AP WINNIPEG — Manitoba is urging tourists to reconsider visiting as it works to find shelter for a flood of wildfire evacuees now reaching 21,000. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account 'This is one of the largest evacuations in our province's history,' Lisa Naylor, the Manitoba minister in charge of emergency management, said Monday. 'The government anticipates there may be a need for more hotel rooms as the wildfire season continues. For that reason, we are urging Manitobans and Canadians to reconsider non-essential travel and event plans within Manitoba. 'There are thousands of evacuees currently displaced and the provincial government along with its partners have been working quickly to find accommodation that fits their comfort, medical and family needs.' Naylor acknowledged it was a difficult announcement to make. 'We absolutely know how important tourism is to Manitoba and we are very mindful of the many workers whose livelihoods depend on a strong tourism sector.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Manitoba Hotel Association estimates there are about 15,000 hotel rooms in the province. The province has set up four congregate shelters for wildfire evacuees, with reception centres in Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson. Manitoba has more than 300 firefighters battling blazes from the remote northwest down through the southeast. Crews have come from other provinces and the United States, with more U.S. crews expected Monday. Read More There are 28 active wildfires, 10 of which are out of control. That firefighting work, along with a little bit of weekend rain, has kept the fires from overwhelming evacuated communities. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The largest fire, menacing Flin Flon and its surrounding communities, spans more than 3,000 sq. km. All 5,000 residents of Flin Flon and thousands more in the area remain out. In north-central Manitoba, fires have forced 6,700 out of the Pimicikamak Cree Nation. In total, there are 27 communities under evacuation orders. The province is under a state of emergency, making it easier for various levels of government to co-ordinate coverage. Kristin Hayward, with the Manitoba Wildfire Service, said 74 charges and 28 warnings have been issued for those breaking the fire rules. She referred to two arson charges laid by RCMP last month, but said arson is not a widespread problem. 'Many of our fires remain under investigation (but) I wouldn't say people are out deliberately setting fires on a large scale,' said Hayward. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'The majority of what we see are fires that start because of carelessness.' Thousands also remained out of their homes in Saskatchewan and Alberta, including between 10,000 and 15,000 in Saskatchewan alone. Saskatchewan officials, in a Monday update, said rain has helped crews contain the fires while allowing residents, including those in Weyakwin and some from Pelican Narrows, to return. 'We're now turning a corner,' said Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod. RECOMMENDED VIDEO Crews are battling 25 wildfires, and 33 communities are under full or limited evacuation orders. McLeod said they have asked the federal government to provide two base camps to support crews and tents for sheltering up to 200 people as the work begins to clean up and rebuild damaged communities. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. About 7,000 in and around La Ronge remain out of their homes. Premier Scott Moe has resisted Opposition calls to bring in the military. Moe has said they talk with the federal government daily, but notes the military provides air evacuation and so far, the province has been able to get people out by road. In an NDP news release, three evacuees, including two from a community near the Saskatchewan-Manitoba boundary, said Moe should call in the Armed Forces. 'I'm very disappointed in a government that I voted for and I had faith in,' said Rhonda Werbicki, whose family home of 26 years burned down in Denare Beach. Linda Lowe's home of 31 years was also destroyed. 'How many more families have to lose their homes or do fatalities have to occur before we are given the help we need to fight these fires and get some financial aid?' she said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The NDP says some evacuees have gone days without financial aid and that funds are 'tied to limited grocery store locations.' Asked about the issues, McLeod reiterated that if the military is needed, it will be called, but said the NDP is deliberately muddying that message. 'It's unfortunate if the NDP want to become political about it,' he said. Moe's government has also warned that most of the fires are human caused. Last week, Mounties said they charged two people in Saskatchewan with arson in separate areas of the province. RCMP allege a woman started a fire around Spiritwood, about 175 km northwest of Saskatoon. A man is also accused of setting fires in a ditch along Hwy. 55 near Snowden before it was extinguished. — With files from Jeremy Simes in Regina. Toronto Blue Jays Olympics World Celebrity Olympics
Toronto Star
6 hours ago
- Toronto Star
Manitoba government urges tourists not to visit as 21,000 people flee wildfires
WINNIPEG - Manitoba is urging tourists to reconsider visiting as it works to find shelter for a flood of wildfire evacuees now reaching 21,000. 'This is one of the largest evacuations in our province's history,' Lisa Naylor, the Manitoba cabinet minister in charge of emergency management, said Monday. 'The government anticipates there may be a need for more hotel rooms as the wildfire season continues. For that reason we are urging Manitobans and Canadians to reconsider non-essential travel and event plans within Manitoba.' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW She added: 'There are thousands of evacuees currently displaced and the provincial government along with its partners have been working quickly to find accommodation that fits their comfort, medical and family needs.' Naylor acknowledged it was a difficult announcement to make. 'We absolutely know how important tourism is to Manitoba and we are very mindful of the many workers whose livelihoods depend on a strong tourism sector.' The Manitoba Hotel Association estimates there are about 15,000 hotel rooms in the province. The province has set up four congregate shelters for wildfire evacuees, with reception centres in Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson. Manitoba has more than 300 firefighters battling blazes from the remote northwest down through the southeast. Crews have come from other provinces and the United States, with more U.S. crews expected Monday. There are 28 active wildfires, 10 of which are out of control. That firefighting work, along with a little bit of weekend rain, has kept the fires from overwhelming evacuated communities. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW The largest fire, menacing the city of Flin Flon and surrounding communities, sits at more than 3,000 square kilometres. All 5,000 residents of Flin Flon and thousands more in the area are out. In north-central Manitoba, fires have forced 6,700 out of Pimicikamak Cree Nation. In total, there are 27 communities under evacuation orders. The province is under a state of emergency, making it easier for various levels of government to co-ordinate coverage. Kristin Hayward, with the Manitoba Wildfire Service, said 74 charges and 28 warnings have been issued for those breaking the fire rules. She referred to two arson charges laid by RCMP last month, but said arson is not a widespread problem. 'Many of our fires remain under investigation (but) I wouldn't say people are out deliberately setting fires on a large scale,' said Hayward. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'The majority of what we see are fires that start because of carelessness.' Thousands also remained out of their homes in Saskatchewan and Alberta, including between 10,000 and 15,000 in Saskatchewan alone. Some residents of Pelican Narrows, Sask., in the province's remote north, can start to return home provided they are healthy and they have access to their own vehicles. The fires have forced about 7,000 out the area around La Ronge. Premier Scott Moe has resisted Opposition calls to bring in the military. Moe has said they talk with the federal government daily, but notes the military provides air evacuation and so far the province has been able to get people out by road. In an NDP news release, three evacuees, including two from a community near the Saskatchewan-Manitoba boundary, said Moe should call in the Armed Forces. 'I'm very disappointed in a government that I voted for and I had faith in,' said Rhonda Werbicki, whose family home of 26 years burned down in Denare Beach. Linda Lowe's home of 31 years was also destroyed. 'How many more families have to lose their homes or do fatalities have to occur before we are given the help we need to fight these fires and get some financial aid?' she said. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW The NDP says some evacuees have gone days without financial aid and that funds are 'tied to limited grocery store locations.' — with files from Jeremy Simes in Regina This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 9, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
7 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Manitoba government urges tourists not to visit as 21,000 people flee wildfires
WINNIPEG - Manitoba's emergency management minister says tourists should hit the pause button on visiting the province as the government works to accommodate about 21,000 wildfire evacuees. Lisa Naylor says it's one of the largest evacuations in Manitoba's history and that the province expects more people will have to flee as wildfire season continues. She says emergency officials are working closely with businesses within the province's tourism sector to secure hotel rooms for those fleeing the flames. To do that, Naylor says this means Manitoba residents and Canadians should put off things ranging from large meetings and conventions to family reunions. Thousands also remained out of their homes in Saskatchewan and Alberta, including between 10,000 and 15,000 in Saskatchewan alone. Some residents of Pelican Narrows, Sask., in the province's remote north, can start to return home provided they are healthy and they have access to their own vehicles. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 9, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
