Wildfires have swept through Manitoba, leading to the declaration of a second state of emergency this year. As of Friday, more than 100 fires are active, with 2.5 million acres charred. This alarming trend puts Manitoba on track for the highest wildfire land loss since 1994.
With record temperatures contributing to the crisis, premier Wab Kinew emphasized the dire need for emergency shelters for evacuees. Many communities, including Snow Lake and the Garden Hill First Nation, faced mandatory evacuations, displacing over 4,000 individuals.
Evacuation centers, like Winnipeg's Billy Mosienko Arena, have been set up, receiving support from the federal government, which has deployed air force transport.
Adding complexity to the situation, Kinew criticized U.S. Congress members for politicizing the fires, after a letter was sent requesting Canadian action due to the smoke affecting their states.
This wildfire surge comes after a previous emergency declaration in May, prompted by fatalities and extensive evacuations due to raging flames in the region.
Focus on collaborative firefighting efforts continues as American firefighters join the battle against these deadly blazes.
