Dozens of wildfires spread across the country, Manitoba: Hundreds evacuated

Smoke can be seen here in Winnipeg as wildfires spread across Canada, including right here in Manitoba, causing hundreds of residents to evacuate.

Right now, there are 58 active wildfires in Manitoba due to recent thunderstorms, bringing the total to 153 to date this year, which is down compared to the provincial average of 257.

The severity of these recent fires has caused evacuations in Marcel Colomb First Nation and Lynn Lake, roughly 1,000 KM north of Winnipeg.

A 100-hectare fire was detected just east on Tuesday, threatening both communities.

“With an evacuation haven taken place there, our emergency measures organization is really engaged with that, the wildfire service is working to contain the situation there,” said Premier Wab Kinew.

“It’s always a balancing act, where fighting fires in the northern part of our province and keeping Manitobans safe there, but when the call comes, we will be ready to assist our neighbours as well.”

CityNews was unable to contact the Chief and Council of Marcel Colombe, however, a social media post states a standby is still in effect.

According to the provincial fire map, twelve fires are currently listed as out of control, with two fires near Pukatawagan merging into one large fire over 2,000 hectares in size.

At the same time, crews are also battling a fire northeast of Thompson close to 7,000 hectares in size.

“We are of course working around the clock with our emo and wildfire service to ensure that Manitobans are kept safe and that in tough situations like that, they are finding their way to safety,” said Kinew.

Meanwhile, devastating visuals continue to come from the town of Jasper, after wildfires engulfed much of the town, displacing thousands. Manitoba’s premier says he’s ready to help.

READ MORE: Alberta premier says up to half of Jasper’s structures destroyed in wildfire

“We’re always ready to help our neighbours across Canada because even earlier this year other provinces stepped up to help us when we had to evacuate Cranberry Portage and some of the surrounding areas.”