A state of emergency has been declared in Manitoba due to nearly two dozen active wildfires that have forced the evacuation of over 17,000 residents. The fires, which started on Monday near Creighton, Saskatchewan, and jumped into Manitoba, have not affected Flin Flon yet but officials are worried about a change in wind direction bringing the fire into town.
Over 5,000 residents in Flin Flon, including those from the community of Swan Hills northwest of Edmonton, have been evacuated. The wildfires also affect thousands in Saskatchewan and Alberta, with evacuation centers opening across Manitoba to accommodate those fleeing the fires.
Crews are struggling to contain the fire, with water bombers grounded due to heavy smoke and a drone incursion. Residents in smaller communities near Cranberry Portage were ordered to prepare for evacuation after a fire jumped a highway. Evacuation centers have opened as far south as Winkler, Manitoba, with five flights scheduled to take residents from Pimicikamak Cree Nation to Winnipeg.
The Canadian wildfire season, which runs from May to September, has already seen its worst-ever wildfire season in 2023, causing widespread damage and air quality issues across North America.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/wildfires-burning-central-canada-force-additional-evacuation-orders-122384263