Manitoba has declared a province wide state of emergency as fast moving wildfires threaten several northern communities and force what Premier Wab Kinew calls the biggest evacuation “in many Manitobans’ living memory.”The order, issued on Wednesday afternoon under the Emergency Measures Act, will last 30 days and can be extended. It lets provincial officials use firefighters, aircraft, and federal help without delay.“With the wildfires in northern Manitoba intensifying, our government has triggered a province-wide state of emergency to help us through this crisis,” said Kinew.“The safety of Manitobans is, and will always be, our number one priority.”.Mandatory evacuations are already underway in the mining city of Flin Flon and in the First Nations of Pimicikimak Cree Nation and Mathias Colomb. Residents and visitors have been told to leave.Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor, who oversees the Emergency Measures Organization, urged evacuees to head south and register with the Canadian Red Cross. “This is the largest evacuation in many Manitobans’ living memory and this will require significant resources and co-operation from all levels of government,” said Kinew. “I have spoken with the Prime Minister and we have asked for the support of the Canadian Armed Forces in transporting evacuees. There are hundreds of people who are mobilized to get you to safety and provide help. This is what Manitobans do, and we will get through this.”A reception centre opened at Billy Mosienko Arena in Winnipeg at 9 pm on Wednesday night. .Those without family or friends in the city will be housed in hotels or group lodgings.Wildfire officials said hot, dry weather, and gusty winds could push flames closer to Highway 10 and hydro lines. Extra crews from Ontario and Saskatchewan are expected within 24 hours.No injuries had been reported as of Wednesday evening, but officials warned conditions can change quickly.Evacuees can register online at redcross.ca/2025manitobawildfires or call 1-800-863-6582 between 8 am and 10 pm.
