The provincial government of Manitoba has declared a second state of emergency this year as the region battles an explosive rise in wildfires. Over the past few days, more than 100 wildfires have been reported, with the land burned reaching a harrowing 2.5 million acres. Experts warn that this year is on track to be the most destructive wildfire season since 1994.
Amid soaring summer temperatures, Manitoba's wildfire season has intensified, typically spanning from March through October, and most fires are ignited by lightning strikes. The provincial capital, Winnipeg, endured severe thunderstorm alerts while communities like Snow Lake and Garden Hill First Nation faced mandatory evacuation orders.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew emphasized that the emergency declaration aimed to facilitate better shelter access for the thousands of residents fleeing the blazes. Over 4,000 individuals have been evacuated, with accommodations set up at venues including the Billy Mosienko Arena and RBC Convention Center in Winnipeg. The federal government has responded by dispatching an air force plane to assist with evacuation efforts.
Kinew also acknowledged the arrival of American firefighters to support local efforts. Nonetheless, he criticized U.S. Congressional members for politicizing the situation. Recently, six Republican representatives from Minnesota and Wisconsin urged Canada to take action against the smokescreen from the fires affecting their states. Kinew asserted, “This is what turns people off from politics,” noting the urgency of the crisis and the loss of lives within Manitoba.
Earlier this year, Kinew declared a state of emergency in May after two lives were tragically lost to wildfires, which also forced approximately 30,000 residents from both Manitoba and neighboring Saskatchewan to evacuate.
Amid soaring summer temperatures, Manitoba's wildfire season has intensified, typically spanning from March through October, and most fires are ignited by lightning strikes. The provincial capital, Winnipeg, endured severe thunderstorm alerts while communities like Snow Lake and Garden Hill First Nation faced mandatory evacuation orders.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew emphasized that the emergency declaration aimed to facilitate better shelter access for the thousands of residents fleeing the blazes. Over 4,000 individuals have been evacuated, with accommodations set up at venues including the Billy Mosienko Arena and RBC Convention Center in Winnipeg. The federal government has responded by dispatching an air force plane to assist with evacuation efforts.
Kinew also acknowledged the arrival of American firefighters to support local efforts. Nonetheless, he criticized U.S. Congressional members for politicizing the situation. Recently, six Republican representatives from Minnesota and Wisconsin urged Canada to take action against the smokescreen from the fires affecting their states. Kinew asserted, “This is what turns people off from politics,” noting the urgency of the crisis and the loss of lives within Manitoba.
Earlier this year, Kinew declared a state of emergency in May after two lives were tragically lost to wildfires, which also forced approximately 30,000 residents from both Manitoba and neighboring Saskatchewan to evacuate.
