Weather-related disasters are becoming a huge crisis for beleaguered North American towns and cities
Authorities in Manitoba and Saskatchewan continue to manage evacuation operations as wildfires across both provinces lead to states of emergency and widespread displacement.
In Manitoba, nearly 19,000 residents have been forced to leave their homes, with the latest evacuation order issued Friday for the town of Snow Lake.
The order was prompted by the advance of a wildfire that has grown to over 3,000 square kilometers (1,158 square miles), according to US News reports. Earlier evacuations included 5,000 residents from Flin Flon and about 1,000 others from cottages and surrounding communities.
Officials in Manitoba are currently monitoring 27 wildfires, eight of which remain out of control. Smoke from these fires has affected air quality across eastern Canada and the northeastern US, with satellite data showing movement of smoke plumes across the Atlantic.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said evacuees have found temporary shelter in hotels, community centres, and private homes. While no formal request for federal assistance has been made, local resources are being deployed to meet the immediate needs of displaced populations.
Meanwhile, Saskatchewan is also under a provincial emergency order, with roughly 10,000 to 15,000 people evacuated due to 24 active wildfires.
Around 7,000 were ordered to leave their homes near La Ronge. Premier Scott Moe confirmed that two individuals have been charged in connection with starting wildfires, including one related to the La Ronge incident.
Moe noted that most fires in Saskatchewan this season are believed to be human-caused, with some suspected to be intentional. Evacuation routes remain open, and Moe said air transport has not been required. Shelters are being established by the Canadian Red Cross in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert.
The wildfire season in Canada typically extends from May to September. The 2023 season was Canada’s worst on record, with smoke events extending across North America and beyond. Current wildfire activity is prompting renewed concern over infrastructure, insurance exposure, and emergency coordination.
Emergency officials continue to track fire progression, assess evacuation timelines, and provide logistical support as weather and ground conditions evolve.
