Based on the recommendation from Manitoba’s wildfire and emergency management officials, the Manitoba government is declaring a provincewide state of emergency under the Emergency Measures Act.
“With the wildfires in northern Manitoba intensifying, our government has triggered a provincewide state of emergency to help us through this crisis,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “The safety of Manitobans is, and will always be, our number one priority.”
The state of emergency is initially in effect for 30 days once issued and may be extended if necessary. This ensures federal, provincial and local resources can be delivered in a co-ordinated response to help protect Manitobans, noted the premier.
In addition to the state of emergency declaration, the city of Flin Flon and the First Nations of Pimicikimak and Mathias Colomb have issued mandatory evacuation orders. All residents and visitors must evacuate the communities as soon as possible before midnight tonight.
“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.”
All evacuees are urged to follow the instructions of the emergency alerts in their communities with specific instructions on how to make their way to safety. Visit manitoba.ca for more information.
