Wildfires sweeping across Manitoba have forced the province to declare a state of emergency, triggering the evacuation of over 17,000 residents and prompting federal military deployment. Premier Wab Kinew described it as “the largest evacuation in most Manitobans’ living memory.”
Kinew said, “We’re calling in the military because we need to move 17,000 people quickly,” and confirmed that Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed to the request.
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Mass Evacuations and Firefighting Challenges Intensify in Manitoba
Among the hardest-hit communities is Flin Flon, where roughly 5,000 residents were ordered to leave by midnight on Tuesday due to an advancing wildfire from neighbouring Saskatchewan. “Everybody has to be out by midnight and that includes me,” said Flin Flon Mayor George Fontaine. “I’m busy packing a couple of things and everybody is getting as organised as we can.”
Firefighting efforts were temporarily hampered when water bombers were grounded due to a drone sighting in the area. There are currently 22 active wildfires in Manitoba, with reinforcements arriving from across Canada.
Western Canada Braces for Intensifying Wildfire Season
As of 2025, Manitoba has recorded 102 wildfires—well above the seasonal average of 77—raising concerns about a potentially severe wildfire season, which typically lasts from May through September. Officials warn that the province must brace for heightened fire activity as conditions remain dry and volatile.
Meanwhile, neighbouring Alberta is also battling growing wildfire threats, with several oil and gas operations impacted. A major 1,600-hectare blaze near Swan Hills forced the evacuation of around 1,200 residents on Monday. This added to the region’s escalating emergency response efforts.
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