Emergency responders are battling dozens of wildfires in Canada, as thousands have been forced to flee their homes in Manitoba. The province is now in its third day of a state of emergency.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said Friday, May 30, the 17,000 evacuees from Manitoba have mostly made their way to Winnipeg, as nearly two dozen wildfires rage in the province.
Natural Resources Canada reports that wildfires have burned more than 623,000 hectares, equivalent to just over 2,400 square miles, in 2025.
Evacuations continue in remote communities
Members of the Canadian armed forces are transporting evacuees via helicopter out of the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, a community located north of the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border town of Flin Flon.
“We do expect some very, very challenging conditions in Flin Flon and in the surrounding community, particularly later this afternoon,” Premier Kinew said during a news conference Friday. “The situation there is very, very serious and we are doing everything that we can to preserve life but also to preserve people’s livelihoods and homes in the region.”
Smoke and drones disrupt firefighting efforts
Firefighters are struggling to contain the fire. The premier said the only people left in the evacuated communities are firefighters and people who work for the fire commissioner.
Water bombers, aircraft used to drop water on the fire, have had to pause operations at times because of thick smoke and a drone entering restricted airspace, The Associated Press reported.
United States sends aid
The premier sought help from the international community. The United States responded to the request, sending 125 American firefighters to assist in fighting the blazes.
“That’s 100 firefighters proper and then 25 managerial workers who will be able to provide logistical supports,” Premier Kinew said. “And now, turning to our neighbors, from the south, to help us in our time of need. Not too long after we had Winnipeg firefighters in Los Angeles helping Americans during their time of need, it really does just underline how serious the situation is.”
Dozens of fires burning across Canada
According to the Canadian government, 57 uncontrolled wildfires are burning across the country as of Friday. Of these, 19 are being held, 40 are considered controlled and 19 are classified under “modified response.”
Officials say the weather has been the greatest obstacle in getting the fires under control. They’re expecting the winds to pick up again Friday night, which could cause the fires to expand or change direction.
Saskatchewan, where more than 8,000 Canadians have fled, is also under a state of emergency.
