Over 25,000 individuals have been compelled to flee as extensive wildfires raging in three Canadian provinces have been confirmed by officials on Sunday. The provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta remain battling dozens of fires, leading to a large-scale displacement of citizens and seriously affecting the air quality in the region spanning the US-Canada border.
Manitoba was most severely impacted, issuing a state of emergency a week ago and relocating about 17,000 residents. About 8,000 people were evacuated in Saskatchewan, and Alberta relocated approximately 1,300 residents to a safe area. Officials say the numbers may increase as dry weather and changing winds complicate containment.
Thick smoke from the blazes has covered much farther than Canada, worsening air quality and visibility in numerous US states, such as North Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, and South Dakota. Both sides health officials recommend restricting outdoor activity and mask-wearing when needed.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe stressed the importance of the next few days, emphasizing the need for weather shifts and rain to assist in containing the fires. Manitoba’s evacuation shelters are clogged, and thousands have found temporary lodging in public facilities and shelters. The concern over limited hotel space was expressed by Indigenous leaders, who called for emergency measures to place displaced residents above the waiting lists.
One of the largest evacuations seen in Manitoba since the 1990s, the wildfire crisis is a stark reminder of the growing impact of climate change. The fire near Flin Flon, Manitoba, began in Saskatchewan and has destroyed power infrastructure while threatening entire communities.
American authorities have deployed firefighting gear and personnel to reinforce Canadian efforts. In the meantime, smoke from the wildfires will continue to impact air quality in the northern United States for the next week.
