Canada is bracing for another challenging day of fighting growing wildfires in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, with hot and dry weather forecasted to worsen the situation over the weekend.
Thousands have been forced to evacuate in both provinces, with many communities declared states of emergency. In Manitoba, the entire city of Flin Flon has been emptied, except for firefighters and support workers, as a large blaze threatens the community.
Smoke from the fires has triggered air quality alerts across Canada and as far south as Chicago, where forecasters say the smell of smoke will be noticeable by Friday evening. The US Upper Midwest, including Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, are also under air quality advisories, with some areas facing unhealthy conditions for everyone.
In Saskatchewan, 15 wildfires are burning, with seven uncontained, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. In Manitoba, there are 22 fires burning, with four classified as out of control. Thousands have been evacuated in both provinces, affecting over 33,000 people.
Canada’s premier has warned of “very challenging conditions” in Flin Flon and surrounding areas, while armed forces have been called in to help evacuate a northern First Nations community. International crews are also arriving to assist with firefighting efforts.
Meteorologist Danielle Desjardins says hot and dry conditions will continue into the weekend, making it an ideal environment for wildfires to spread. Saskatchewan has been “extremely dry” since March and is experiencing abnormally warm weather, pushing temperatures above 30C (86F).
Canada’s worst wildfire season on record in 2023 saw over 42 million acres burned, an area larger than England. Climate change experts warn that warmer weather conditions are becoming more likely, making wildfires easier to spread.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1dekp93l6po