ADVERTISEMENTIn the Canadian province of Manitoba, two people were killed near Lac de Bonnet in a wildfire that ignited on Tuesday.
The remains of a man and a woman were discovered as the province grapples with the massive wildfire on Thursday.
Kristin Hayward, the Assistant Deputy Minister of Manitoba, confirmed that the fires remained uncontrolled until Thursday. Currently, there are 21 fires raging across the province.
According to local media, there were 80 active fires in Canada on Thursday. These fires spread rapidly due to unusually hot, dry, and windy conditions.
“The fire started yesterday, with a lot of firefighting efforts, but it is still out of control,” stated Hayward.
Water bombers were seen attempting to control the nearby fires in Lac du Bonnet and Nopiming Provincial Park.
Nearly 1,000 people have fled their homes.
Colette Ans, an evacuee, said, “My neighbor Davey saved my life. She came and told us that we are being evacuated.”
“It’s just emotionally and physically overwhelming. I’m numb,” Ans added.
For some, the fires threatened to engulf their properties.
Gilles Gaithier, the owner of a golf club, stated, “If it wasn’t for another 2, 300 feet, it would have burned the entire place.”
Manitoba declared a state of emergency on Thursday in the affected eastern region to enhance firefighting, evacuation, and relief efforts.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew stated, “The Province of Manitoba will be declaring a state of emergency in the Whiteshell Provincial Park. This will grant those in the Park Service and other relevant authorities the emergency powers they need to keep people safe.”
Residents in impacted areas are warned to exercise caution and follow official announcements and instructions. Those in unaffected areas are advised against using fireworks and avoiding campfires.
Additional sources • AP, EBU
