In Manitoba, Canada, wildfires have prompted an additional 1,000 people to abandon their homes, further swelling the number of evacuations amid a declared state of emergency in the province. On Friday, Snow Lake, Manitoba, issued a mandatory evacuation directive for its residents due to a significant wildfire threatening the region.
The raging fire has expanded drastically, covering more than 3,000 square kilometers (1,058 square miles), surpassing twice the size of Los Angeles. This situation has necessitated the evacuation of all 5,000 residents from the nearby city of Flin Flon, alongside numerous others from surrounding homes and cottages. With the inclusion of the Snow Lake evacuations, the total number of displaced individuals in Manitoba now reaches approximately 19,000. Currently, 27 fires are burning throughout Manitoba, with eight categorized as out of control.
The impact of these Canadian wildfires is far-reaching, with smoke deteriorating air quality in eastern Canada and parts of the United States, even extending as far as Europe. According to Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, those evacuated have largely found refuge with friends, family, hotels, or communal shelters.
In the neighboring Saskatchewan province, Premier Scott Moe disclosed that two individuals have been legally charged for arson-related activities associated with wildfire settings. One is charged concerning a fire near La Ronge, Saskatchewan, leading to the displacement of 7,000 residents. Currently, 24 active wildfires are blazing in Saskatchewan, displacing between 10,000 and 15,000 people from their residences.
Premier Moe indicated that nearly all the wildfires in Saskatchewan are attributed to human activity, with some ignited intentionally. The province has declared a state of emergency to enhance collaborative efforts among governmental levels in their response strategy. Despite continuous communication with the federal government, Moe highlighted that a request for military assistance to airlift evacuees has not been made yet, as evacuations have successfully proceeded via roadways thus far.
Additionally, the Red Cross is engaged in establishing communal shelters for evacuees in cities like Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert. This challenging wildfire season in Canada spans from May through September, with 2023 marking the worst on record. Throughout that year, extensive smoke conditions plagued North America, posing significant hazards for months.