Across Canada, a massive evacuation effort is underway. Over 25,000 people have fled their homes in three provinces due to raging wildfires. The situation is dire, with flames closing in on several communities.
In Manitoba, a state of emergency was declared last week, forcing 17,000 people to evacuate. Another 1,300 people have fled in Alberta, and over 8,000 in Saskatchewan. Provincial leaders warn that these numbers could climb higher.
The air quality in many Canadian provinces, as well as parts of the US, has deteriorated due to the smoke. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency reports that air quality and visibility are changing rapidly, requiring hourly monitoring. As smoke levels rise, so do health risks.
Scott Moe, Premier of Saskatchewan, says the ongoing heat and dryness have fueled the growth of some fires, threatening communities. Resources to fight the fires and support evacuees are dwindling, and the situation could reach a crisis point within the next 4-7 days.
In Manitoba, a wildfire destroyed power lines in the north, causing a blackout in the community of Cranberry Portage. Authorities evacuated around 600 people, while over 5,000 have fled the town of Flin Flon, which is under threat from a fire spreading from Saskatchewan.
The US Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service has sent a water bomber to help fight the fires in Alberta and deployed 150 firefighters with equipment to Canada.
Some areas in the US have seen their air quality drop to “unhealthy” levels, including parts of North Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, and South Dakota. The US Environmental Protection Agency expects at least two more waves of smoke from Canada this week.
Meanwhile, a wildfire near the Idaho border has burned over 100 acres, forcing road closures and evacuations. At least one structure has been destroyed, but the full extent of the damage is unclear.
Source: AP News