The Canadian province of Manitoba has declared a state of emergency due to a series of wildfires, and Prime Minister Mark Carney has approved sending the military to assist.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said these fires have forced 17,000 people from several communities to evacuate, marking the largest evacuation in the province's memory for most residents.
He stated, "The military has been called in to assist here due to the massive evacuation of 17,000 people that we need to carry out relatively quickly." He added, "I’m pleased to say that Prime Minister Mark Carney has approved this request."
The state of emergency facilitates authorities in safely relocating residents and providing them with necessary shelter.
Earlier, the city of Flin Flon in Manitoba ordered all its 5,000 residents to leave the city due to an approaching wildfire. Residents were asked to prepare essential supplies and head south before midnight. Authorities have already begun evacuating patients with high medical needs.
Flin Flon Mayor George Fontaine said, "Everyone must have left before midnight, including myself." He added, "I’m currently busy gathering some belongings, and everyone is trying to organize themselves as best as possible."
Fontaine explained that people plan to use Highway 10 as it is the only exit route. He said, "This road leads to Winnipeg, and we’ll see what happens." Flin Flon is about 400 miles (643 kilometers) northwest of the provincial capital, Winnipeg.
The fire started on Monday north of the city in neighboring Saskatchewan province and has grown significantly. Evacuation orders were also issued for the 1,200 residents of Creighton, a town in Saskatchewan.
Canada currently faces 134 active wildfires across several provinces, including Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
Canadian authorities have reassured citizens that the wildfire season in central and western Canada during June and July may be "above normal" and "well above average," especially due to severe drought still affecting many areas.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said these fires have forced 17,000 people from several communities to evacuate, marking the largest evacuation in the province's memory for most residents.
He stated, "The military has been called in to assist here due to the massive evacuation of 17,000 people that we need to carry out relatively quickly." He added, "I’m pleased to say that Prime Minister Mark Carney has approved this request."
The state of emergency facilitates authorities in safely relocating residents and providing them with necessary shelter.
Earlier, the city of Flin Flon in Manitoba ordered all its 5,000 residents to leave the city due to an approaching wildfire. Residents were asked to prepare essential supplies and head south before midnight. Authorities have already begun evacuating patients with high medical needs.
Flin Flon Mayor George Fontaine said, "Everyone must have left before midnight, including myself." He added, "I’m currently busy gathering some belongings, and everyone is trying to organize themselves as best as possible."
Fontaine explained that people plan to use Highway 10 as it is the only exit route. He said, "This road leads to Winnipeg, and we’ll see what happens." Flin Flon is about 400 miles (643 kilometers) northwest of the provincial capital, Winnipeg.
The fire started on Monday north of the city in neighboring Saskatchewan province and has grown significantly. Evacuation orders were also issued for the 1,200 residents of Creighton, a town in Saskatchewan.
Canada currently faces 134 active wildfires across several provinces, including Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
Canadian authorities have reassured citizens that the wildfire season in central and western Canada during June and July may be "above normal" and "well above average," especially due to severe drought still affecting many areas.
