WINNIPEG, May 29 (Alliance News): The Canadian province of Manitoba has declared a state of emergency as wildfires rage across northern and eastern areas, forcing the evacuation of approximately 17,000 residents, including from the city of Flin Flon.
Premier Wab Kinew, speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, described the evacuation as the largest in the province’s recent memory, requiring extensive logistical support and coordination across government levels.
Evacuees are being relocated to shelters in Winnipeg and other southern cities, including community centers and sports complexes. The Canadian Armed Forces have been deployed to assist in the emergency response, ensuring the safe transport of residents from high-risk zones.
“This is the largest evacuation in many Manitobans’ living memory, and it will require significant resources and co-operation from all levels of government,” said Kinew.
Meanwhile, wildfires in Alberta have also intensified, forcing evacuations and disrupting the operations of several oil and gas producers.
Cenovus Energy announced it has scaled back nonessential staff at its Foster Creek facility in northern Alberta as a precautionary measure.
The wildfires have affected operations across the Bonnyville–Cold Lake region, with fires spanning approximately 2,900 hectares near Chipewyan Lake — located about 130 kilometers west of Fort McMurray.
Although officials reported no immediate threat to Chipewyan Lake, its residents have been placed on a one-hour evacuation notice due to shifting winds.
Another major fire, covering 1,600 hectares, is burning out of control near Swan Hills, leading to the evacuation of about 1,200 residents earlier this week.
Energy company Aspenleaf Energy confirmed it had shut down operations in the Swan Hills area, cutting production by around 4,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day as a precautionary step.
Officials in both Manitoba and Alberta continue to monitor the evolving wildfire situation closely, urging residents to follow evacuation orders and updates.
