Raging wildfires in Manitoba have forced the evacuation of thousands of residents, prompting the provincial government to declare a state of emergency and request military assistance as the fire crisis escalates across western Canada.

The city of Flin Flon, near the Saskatchewan border, has been completely evacuated, with nearly 5,000 residents ordered to leave by midnight Wednesday. The fires, fueled by prolonged drought, dry vegetation, and erratic winds, are threatening multiple northern communities and have now spread into neighboring Saskatchewan.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced the emergency declaration at a press conference, citing the displacement of more than 17,000 people. “This is the largest evacuation in many Manitobans’ living memory,” he said, confirming that military aircraft are being deployed to assist in evacuating isolated communities.

Flin Flon Mayor George Fontaine stressed the urgency of the situation: “Everybody has to be out by midnight, and that includes me.” Evacuees are being temporarily housed at shelters set up in Winnipeg and other urban centers, with the Canadian Armed Forces assisting in logistics and transportation.

In neighboring Saskatchewan, the town of Creighton also issued a mandatory evacuation order for its 1,200 residents, warning that fire could soon sever road access. “We declared a state of emergency to get as many people out as possible before the roads become impassable,” said Mayor Bruce Fidler.

Wildfire Crisis Spreads Across Canada

Manitoba is currently battling 22 active wildfires—part of over 100 reported so far in 2025, exceeding the seasonal average. Nationwide, 134 wildfires are burning, with more than half classified as out of control. Provinces including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario are also affected. Nearly 200,000 hectares have already burned this year, triple the five-year average, according to provincial fire officials.

Residents fleeing the flames report terrifying scenes. Sheryl Matheson, a lodge owner from Sherridon, described the fires as “very smoky,” with flames towering over 120 feet high and visible from several kilometers away.

Climate Concerns Intensify

Experts attribute the worsening fire conditions to climate change, citing warmer temperatures, extended droughts, and increased lightning activity as key drivers. Canada’s 2024 fire season was the worst on record, with over 18 million hectares scorched and smoke affecting air quality as far away as Europe and the United States.

With no significant rainfall forecast and winds continuing to shift, firefighting crews face mounting challenges. Air tankers and ground personnel are engaged in containment efforts, but progress is slow.

Emergency services remain on high alert, with shelters, transportation hubs, and healthcare centers bracing for more evacuations as conditions continue to deteriorate. (ILKHA)