More than 25,000 people have been evacuated across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta due to active wildfires.
This figure was reported by multiple news sources, including AP and The Guardian.
In Manitoba alone, over 17,000 residents have left their homes.
About 8,000 people in Saskatchewan and 1,300 in Alberta have also been displaced.
Manitoba declared a state of emergency last week.
Premier Wab Kinew said fires were burning in every region of the province.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said more evacuations may be necessary if dry weather continues.
Officials in Manitoba said the fire threatening Flin Flon began near Creighton, Saskatchewan.
It crossed the provincial boundary and forced the evacuation of Flin Flon’s 5,000 residents.
Kinew said public buildings in Winnipeg and other cities are being used to shelter evacuees.
He said: “The only folks remaining on the ground are firefighters and folks in the office of the fire commissioner and RCMP, who are there to battle the blaze.
“We do expect some very, very challenging conditions in Flin Flon and in the surrounding community.” He added: “Pray for rain.”
Creighton’s 1,200 residents were also ordered to leave. Many relocated to Nipawin, Saskatchewan.
Officials in Cranberry Portage issued a mandatory evacuation order for 600 people after fires knocked out power.
The US Department of Agriculture confirmed it is sending support to Canada.
It said 150 firefighters and equipment have been deployed.
An air tanker has been sent to Alberta.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins said: “We are here to help our neighbors during their time of need, and our Forest Service Wildland Firefighters are the best in the business.”
She added: “I am thankful for the men and women who are bravely stepping up to serve.”
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said firefighting resources are under pressure.
He said: “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.”
Smoke from the fires has crossed into the US.
The US Environmental Protection Agency reported “unhealthy” air quality in parts of North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota and Montana.
Air quality alerts have been issued by the National Weather Service.
Meteorologist Bryan Jackson said: “We should expect at least a couple more rounds of Canadian smoke to come through the US over the next week.”
Saskatchewan’s Public Safety Agency said: “Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.”
It added: “As smoke levels increase, health risks increase.”
News reports said strong winds and dry conditions have intensified the wildfires.
Natural Resources Canada stated that fire conditions are at the highest level on its scale in many affected areas.
Satellite images have captured the formation of pyrocumulus clouds.
These clouds indicate extremely hot and intense fire behavior.
They also help transport smoke into the upper atmosphere, spreading it over long distances.
In some locations, water bombers were grounded due to smoke and drone activity.
Leaders from Indigenous communities in Manitoba said housing is insufficient for evacuees.
Hotel rooms in cities receiving evacuees are reported to be full.
At a news conference, Grand Chief Kyra Wilson of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs said: “It’s really sad to see our children having to sleep on floors.”
She added: “People are sitting, waiting in hallways, waiting outside, and right now we just need people to come together.” She added: “People are tired.”
Chief David Monias of Pimicikamak Cree Nation said: “The wildfire has crossed the main road, and the area remains filled with smoke and ash.”
He confirmed evacuations by air were underway.
Evacuation centres have opened across Manitoba, including in Winkler near the US border.
Medical studies cited by The Guardian indicate long-term health impacts from wildfire smoke exposure.
These include effects on heart and lung function.
Research has also shown links to increased stroke risk and potential interference with fertility treatment.
The Guardian reported that wildfire smoke can be up to 10 times more toxic than typical urban air pollution.
Experts advise using air filtration indoors and wearing fitted masks such as N95s outdoors.
Studies suggest there is no safe level of exposure to wildfire smoke.
More than 25,000 residents have been evacuated across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Manitoba declared a state of emergency due to wildfire activity in all regions.
The fire near Creighton, Saskatchewan crossed into Manitoba and forced evacuations in Flin Flon.
Power outages in Cranberry Portage led to further mandatory evacuations.
Public shelters have been opened in Winnipeg and other cities.
The US deployed 150 firefighters, equipment and an air tanker to assist Canada.
Smoke from the fires caused “unhealthy” air quality in several US states.
National Weather Service forecasts more smoke moving south in the coming days.
Strong winds and dry weather are increasing fire intensity and spread.
Satellite imagery has recorded pyrocumulus clouds indicating extreme fire behavior.
Water bombers were grounded due to visibility and drone interference.
Indigenous leaders reported full hotels and overcrowded conditions for evacuees.
Health experts warned of serious long-term effects from wildfire smoke exposure.
Canada’s wildfire season runs from May to September.
Fire conditions remain high across the affected provinces.
Natural Resources Canada predicts an above-average fire season.
