Massive wildfires raging across western and central Canada have forced thousands to flee their homes, with the provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan declaring states of emergency. The blazes, fueled by climate change, are also expected to send hazardous smoke into major US cities.
In Manitoba, around 17,000 people are under evacuation orders, including residents of Flin Flon, Pimicikamak Cree Nation, and Cross Lake, along with Mathias Colomb Cree Nation. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew declared a province-wide state of emergency, stating, “This is a moment of fear and uncertainty. This is a moment of concern.” Kinew acknowledged that this is the largest evacuation order in “most people’s living memory,” but reassured those affected that “your fellow Manitobans will welcome you. We will get through this difficult period, and we’ll get through this trying period the way that we always do: by working together”.
The situation is equally dire in Saskatchewan, where thousands have been evacuated due to wildfires. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe declared a 30-day provincial emergency, citing “deep concerns” over resources to battle the fires. “It’s a very serious situation that we’re faced with in Saskatchewan. We do need some rainfall and we need that sooner rather than later,” Moe said at a news conference.
The wildfires have burned over 1.58 million acres in Canada so far this year, approximately 40% above the 10-year average. Nearly 90% of the burned acreage is in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Climate change is leading to an increase in wildfire risk days, resulting in more frequent and larger fires that exhibit extreme behavior.
Impact on Air Quality and US Cities
Computer models predict that smoke from the Canadian wildfires will reach the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes on Thursday and Friday, potentially affecting cities like Green Bay, Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Chicago, and Detroit. Authorities in Minnesota and northern Michigan have issued air quality alerts, warning of unhealthy fine particle levels. The smoke is expected to linger in parts of the Midwest through the weekend.
Canada’s seasonal wildfire forecast predicts well above-average blazes, and much of the western US is expected to have above-normal wildfire potential by July. As the situation continues to unfold, millions may face more smoky days this summer.