State of emergency declared in Manitoba amid ongoing wildfires

Mass evacuations were underway Thursday in the Canadian province as residents fled spreading wildfires. Many were headed to the capital city of Winnipeg, where a reception center was set up for evacuees. On Wednesday, officials declared a state of emergency in response to 22 active wildfires in the province, according to a statement from the Manitoba government. Neighboring provinces were also affected.

How many residents are affected? Wab Kinew, the premier of Manitoba, told the public in a Wednesday news conference that 17,000 people are being evacuated to prevent loss of life, and most will need temporary shelter. He described soccer fields, community centers, and arenas as being potential places to set up lodging for displaced Canadians. Kinew informed companies and large facilities that they may be asked to open their doors to help receive the influx of evacuees. He also requested help from the Canadian Armed Forces, and said Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed to send assistance.

Kinew announced that this will be the largest evacuation for the area in most residents’ living memory, requiring significant resources and cooperation. Flights were being coordinated to help move the evacuees. The state of emergency declaration is seen as a necessary step to help manage the situation, and it is expected to remain in effect for 30 days. Manitoba announced that a firefighter was severely injured during his shift and hospitalized on Sunday. Manitoba officials urged residents to follow travel and fire restrictions.

Dig deeper: Listen to Mary Muncy’s story for The World and Everything in It about a family that had to make hard decisions after a North Carolina fire.