The True Post (Web News) At least 4,000 people have been forced to leave their homes due to wildfires in northern Saskatchewan. A state of emergency has been declared in view of the seriousness of the situation. Recently, Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed to send the military to help. Premier Webb Keano expressed his happiness over this.
Manitoba Premier Webb Kenyon said the fires have forced the evacuation of 17,000 people from multiple communities. It is the largest evacuation in Manitoba to date. The military is being called in to help because of the large number of people. The emergency declaration helps authorities safely evacuate and provide shelter for evacuees.
1,200 residents of Creighton, Saskatchewan, were also ordered to evacuate. There are 22 active wildfires in Manitoba. Firefighters from across Canada are helping to put out the fires, officials said. Crews are struggling to contain the blazes. A Parks Canada firefighter was critically injured Sunday. Manitoba has had 102 fires so far this year. Canada’s wildfire season runs from May to September. Its worst wildfire season on record was in 2023, which blanketed much of North America in dangerous smoke for months.
The largest group of people evacuated came from the northern village of Pelican Narrows, about 400 kilometres northeast of Prince Albert. The wildfire has come very close to the community and is threatening road traffic.
The Peter Ballantine Cree Nation declared a state of emergency for Pelican Narrows on Tuesday. Chief Peter Beatty told CBC News that about 2,000 people have already evacuated Pelican Narrows and nearby areas, and another 2,000 are being asked to leave the area immediately by bus or in their own vehicles.
Evacuation centres have been set up in Prince Albert, Flin Flon and Saskatoon.
Cherish Morin, who is from Pelican Narrows, arrived at a hotel in Saskatoon on Tuesday morning. He said leaving his home and packing up all his belongings was a very stressful experience. Maureen said Highway 106 was closed Monday evening, forcing her to take another road near La Ronge, which added to her travel time.
Maureen said she is also worried about other homes in her village and people like her grandfather who have decided to stay and help instead of leaving. I just pray for them to get the fire under control so we can get home.
