Canada is experiencing one of its worst wildfire seasons on record, forcing widespread evacuations throughout Canada’s central provinces. More than 8,000 residents in the province of Saskatchewan have already been evacuated from their homes due to the unstoppable fires. Projections show that this number will double and could eventually reach 10,000. Saskatchewan’s Premier Scott Moe has blamed the alarming acceleration in the growth of these fires on the prevailing hot and dry weather. These conditions still endanger communities across the region today.
Evacuation shelters have been established throughout Saskatchewan and Manitoba. They are the first to offer shelter to those affected by our increasing, and increasingly deadly, wildfires. The state of the fire under either scenario has been considerably improved. Almost two dozen wildfires continue to sweep across Manitoba, forcing the evacuation of at least 17,000 people in the Canadian province. Flin Flon, a mining city just over the Manitoba/Saskatchewan border, has been one of the most severely impacted communities. A significant runaway fire that started on Monday has now spread across the border into Manitoba territory.
Air Quality Concerns in the United States
The effects of this year’s Canada wildfires reach well beyond its borders. Smoke from these wildfires has been pushed southward over the United States. In fact, it’s the single biggest reason why harmful air pollution is increasing in states like Minnesota and Wisconsin. Public health officials have warned that air quality across these states has exceeded dangerous levels for humans and wildlife alike.
Scott Moe, to underscore the importance of quickly getting on top of the fire threat. He stated, “The next four to seven days are absolutely critical until we can find our way to changing weather patterns, and ultimately a soaking rain throughout the north.” The need for action is acute. A major change in wind direction would be likely to push the advancing flames directly and dangerously close to the city of Flin Flon.
Declaration of Emergency
Given the continued risk posed by wildfires, Manitoba has declared a state of emergency. Like the declaration, this bill seeks to underscore the urgency of the moment. At this moment, fires are running uncontrolled from the north-west to the south-east corners of the province. State and local officials are mobilizing emergency resources to battle the fires and assist evacuees. Their bottom line should be to protect these communities and stave off any more destruction.
Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, expressed gratitude towards those fighting the fires, stating, “We are here to help our neighbours during their time of need, and our Forest Service Wildland Firefighters are the best in the business. I am thankful for the men and women who are bravely stepping up to serve.”
Ongoing Wildfire Season
Canada’s wildfire season usually lasts from May through September, but this year has been different. 2023 wildfire season has already become one of the most devastating in Canadian history. Considering it has been wildly successful at creating deadly air pollution across the continent for the past few months. As communities brace for what lies ahead, residents remain hopeful for a change in weather that could bring much-needed relief from the relentless fires.
