Over 17,000 individuals in Manitoba’s western region of Canada were required to evacuate on Wednesday due to the province experiencing its most severe wildfire season in recent years. The Manitoba government declared a state of emergency across the entire province, marking the largest evacuation in the living memory of most residents, according to Premier Wab Kinew. Kinew has requested assistance from the Canadian military for evacuations and firefighting efforts.
The climate crisis has exacerbated wildfires in Canada, leading to more frequent and intense incidents, including the most destructive on record in 2023. Currently, there are 134 active fires nationwide, with half considered out of control. The evacuations affect several towns and Indigenous communities, with many evacuees heading to Winnipeg, Manitoba’s capital.
Residents, such as Sheryl Matheson from Sherridon, have described the overwhelming situation as wildfires encircle their towns, with flames reaching heights that firefighters cannot approach. Others, like Elsaida Alerta from Flin Flon, express anxiety as they prepare to leave their homes, a new experience for those who have never evacuated before.
Premier Kinew emphasizes the widespread nature of the fires as a sign of climate change that requires adaptation. Nearly 200,000 hectares have been affected in the past month, tripling the average over the previous five years due to extended periods of warm and dry weather. Before the current evacuations, over 5,000 individuals from Lynn Lake, Marcel Colomb First Nation, Pelican Narrows, and other communities had already been displaced. Additionally, a firefighter was severely injured while battling the blazes. Emergency shelters are being established, and the Premier has called on companies and communities to offer assistance to the displaced residents.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/29/canada-wildfires-manitoba-province-fire-evacuation
