An escalating wildfire emergency across central Canada has forced the evacuation of more than 17,000 residents, with officials warning of worsening conditions due to dry weather and shifting winds. The province of Manitoba has been hit especially hard, prompting a state of emergency as wildfires threaten entire communities.
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| Wildfire smoke above Highway 97, north of the Buckinghorse River near Trutch, British Columbia, Canada, on Friday, May 30, 2025. Wildfires are threatening about 5% of Canada's crude output as a blaze in Alberta's oil sands region spreads and approaches major production sites. Photographer: Nasuna Stuart-Ulin/Bloomberg via Getty Images |
Manitoba Wildfires Force Thousands to Evacuate
Over 5,000 residents from the city of Flin Flon have been displaced as wildfires continue to burn unchecked near the Saskatchewan border. Although no buildings have been destroyed in the city so far, officials are concerned that a change in wind direction could push flames into urban areas.
The fires span from the northwest to the southeast of Manitoba, impacting several towns and Indigenous communities. Smoke from the blazes is also drifting into the United States, deteriorating air quality in northern states like Minnesota and North Dakota.
Saskatchewan and Alberta Also Grappling With Wildfire Emergencies
The crisis is not limited to Manitoba. In Saskatchewan, nearly 8,000 people have evacuated, and officials expect that number could rise to 10,000 if hot, dry conditions persist. One of the largest evacuations was ordered in Swan Hills, Alberta, where over 1,300 residents have fled their homes.
“The next four to seven days are critical,” said Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe. “We need a major shift in weather patterns and, ultimately, a soaking rain to get these fires under control.”
U.S. Sends Aid to Assist Canadian Firefighting Efforts
In response to the growing crisis, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service has sent firefighting resources to Alberta, including an air tanker, 150 wildland firefighters, and specialized equipment like sprinkler kits and water pumps.
“We stand with our Canadian neighbors during this challenging time,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, praising the courage of American firefighters joining the effort.
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| Photographer: Nasuna Stuart-Ulin/Bloomberg via Getty Images |
Communities Without Power, More Evacuations Ordered
In Cranberry Portage, northern Manitoba, fires have disrupted power lines and prompted mandatory evacuations for around 600 residents. Nearby communities have been advised to prepare for evacuation, with officials urging families to arrange temporary housing with relatives due to limited shelter space.
Evacuation centers have been set up across the province, including locations as far south as Winkler, near the U.S. border, to accommodate those fleeing the flames.
Indigenous Communities Hardest Hit
Evacuations intensified in the Pimicikamak Cree Nation over the weekend, with smoke and ash overwhelming the area after the wildfire crossed a main road. Chief David Monias confirmed multiple emergency flights were scheduled to transport residents to Winnipeg.
However, shelter capacity in Winnipeg is overwhelmed, with hotels already filled with other wildfire evacuees, tourists, and business travelers. Indigenous leaders have called for immediate government action to prioritize evacuees.
“It’s heartbreaking to see children sleeping on floors and people waiting for hours in hallways,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. “This is one of the largest evacuations we’ve seen since the 1990s. We need more support now.”
Fire Origin and Air Operations Hindered
The wildfire threatening Flin Flon began near Creighton, Saskatchewan, on Monday before rapidly crossing into Manitoba. Fire crews have struggled to contain it due to heavy smoke and interference from unauthorized drones, which have grounded water bombers at crucial moments.
Over 1,200 residents of Creighton have also been ordered to evacuate, with many taking refuge in Nipawin, Saskatchewan.
Canada's Fire Season: A Growing Threat
Canada's wildfire season typically lasts from May through September, but recent years have seen a sharp increase in severity. The 2023 wildfire season was the worst on record, with smoke from Canadian fires blanketing much of North America for months.
As the situation continues to evolve, officials across Canada are urging residents in high-risk areas to stay alert, follow evacuation orders, and prepare for rapidly changing conditions.
