Manitoba wildfire: A wildfire that began in Saskatchewan has quickly spread into Manitoba, threatening homes and infrastructure. All 5,000 residents of Flin Flon were ordered to leave by midnight on May 28. About 17,000 people have been evacuated from their communities across Manitoba. Premier Kinew has requested military assistance for evacuation and shelter for displaced residents.
A fast-moving wildfire near Flin Flon, Manitoba, has forced the evacuation of the entire city. All 5,000 residents were ordered to leave by midnight on May 28. As the wildfire intensified in Flin Flon, health officials began evacuating patients from Flin Flon General Hospital. Priority was given to individuals with complex medical needs to ensure their safety and continuity of care.
The Manitoba wildfire began in neighboring Saskatchewan and has grown rapidly, threatening homes and infrastructure.
Mayor George Fontaine urged residents to evacuate using Highway 10, the only route out of the city. Giving importance to urgency, he stated, "Everybody has to be out by midnight, and that includes me." The city has been coordinating efforts to assist residents in leaving safely.
The neighboring town of Creighton, Saskatchewan, with approximately 1,200 residents, has also been evacuated. The wildfire's rapid spread has overwhelmed local firefighting resources. Efforts to contain the fire were hindered when water bombers were grounded due to unauthorized drone activity.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew declared a state of emergency in response to the Manitoba wildfire situation. He described the evacuation as "the largest Manitoba will have seen in most people's living memory."
Approximately 17,000 people across several communities have been forced to flee their homes. Premier Kinew has requested military assistance to aid in the evacuation and provide shelter for displaced residents.
Firefighters from nearby jurisdictions are aiding Manitoba, including 20 crews from New Brunswick, two from Prince Edward Island, and 28 more expected from British Columbia.
One firefighter is recovering in the hospital after serious injuries.
The hospital coordinated with facilities in safer regions to accommodate these patients and reduce the health risks associated with the deteriorating air quality caused by wildfires.
As of May 28, Manitoba is battling 22 active wildfires. The province has experienced 102 wildfires this year, surpassing the seasonal average 77. The fires have burned over 198,000 hectares, approximately triple the five-year annual average.
Hot and dry conditions have exacerbated the Manitoba wildfire season. On May 13, Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba, recorded a temperature of 37°C, breaking a 125-year-old record. These conditions have created an environment conducive to rapid fire spread and have challenged firefighting efforts across the province.
Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and to follow evacuation orders promptly. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are working to ensure the safety of all affected communities.
The Manitoba wildfire began in neighboring Saskatchewan and has grown rapidly, threatening homes and infrastructure.
Mayor George Fontaine urged residents to evacuate using Highway 10, the only route out of the city. Giving importance to urgency, he stated, "Everybody has to be out by midnight, and that includes me." The city has been coordinating efforts to assist residents in leaving safely.
The neighboring town of Creighton, Saskatchewan, with approximately 1,200 residents, has also been evacuated. The wildfire's rapid spread has overwhelmed local firefighting resources. Efforts to contain the fire were hindered when water bombers were grounded due to unauthorized drone activity.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew declared a state of emergency in response to the Manitoba wildfire situation. He described the evacuation as "the largest Manitoba will have seen in most people's living memory."
Approximately 17,000 people across several communities have been forced to flee their homes. Premier Kinew has requested military assistance to aid in the evacuation and provide shelter for displaced residents.
Firefighters from nearby jurisdictions are aiding Manitoba, including 20 crews from New Brunswick, two from Prince Edward Island, and 28 more expected from British Columbia.
One firefighter is recovering in the hospital after serious injuries.
The hospital coordinated with facilities in safer regions to accommodate these patients and reduce the health risks associated with the deteriorating air quality caused by wildfires.
As of May 28, Manitoba is battling 22 active wildfires. The province has experienced 102 wildfires this year, surpassing the seasonal average 77. The fires have burned over 198,000 hectares, approximately triple the five-year annual average.
Hot and dry conditions have exacerbated the Manitoba wildfire season. On May 13, Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba, recorded a temperature of 37°C, breaking a 125-year-old record. These conditions have created an environment conducive to rapid fire spread and have challenged firefighting efforts across the province.
Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and to follow evacuation orders promptly. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are working to ensure the safety of all affected communities.
