In a significant move, the government of Manitoba has issued a state of emergency as wildfires wreak havoc across the province, marking the second emergency declaration this year. On Friday, more than 100 wildfires were reported, with a staggering 2.5 million acres already scorched this year, pushing Manitoba towards what could become its most extensive wildfire season since 1994.
The rapid spread of fires, some of which are now deemed out of control, can be attributed to soaring summer temperatures, a pattern that exacerbates the province's already challenging wildfire season, typically running from March to October. The provincial capital, Winnipeg, was subjected to a severe thunderstorm warning overnight, further complicating firefighting efforts.
In light of the dire situation, nine communities have enacted mandatory evacuation orders, including the town of Snow Lake and the Garden Hill First Nation. Premier Wab Kinew emphasized the need for an emergency declaration to facilitate emergency sheltering for thousands of displaced residents, as over 4,000 evacuees were relocated to facilities such as Billy Mosienko Arena and RBC Convention Center in Winnipeg.
In a show of solidarity, American firefighters have joined the efforts on the ground in Manitoba. However, Premier Kinew criticized certain U.S. Congress members for politicizing the wildfire situation amidst tragic losses in the province. The wildfires have already resulted in two fatalities and have required extensive evacuations, affecting not just Manitoba but neighboring Saskatchewan as well.
The rapid spread of fires, some of which are now deemed out of control, can be attributed to soaring summer temperatures, a pattern that exacerbates the province's already challenging wildfire season, typically running from March to October. The provincial capital, Winnipeg, was subjected to a severe thunderstorm warning overnight, further complicating firefighting efforts.
In light of the dire situation, nine communities have enacted mandatory evacuation orders, including the town of Snow Lake and the Garden Hill First Nation. Premier Wab Kinew emphasized the need for an emergency declaration to facilitate emergency sheltering for thousands of displaced residents, as over 4,000 evacuees were relocated to facilities such as Billy Mosienko Arena and RBC Convention Center in Winnipeg.
In a show of solidarity, American firefighters have joined the efforts on the ground in Manitoba. However, Premier Kinew criticized certain U.S. Congress members for politicizing the wildfire situation amidst tragic losses in the province. The wildfires have already resulted in two fatalities and have required extensive evacuations, affecting not just Manitoba but neighboring Saskatchewan as well.
