Over 26,000 Evacuated as Wildfires Blaze Across Western and Central Canada

Over 26,000 Evacuated as Wildfires Blaze Across Western and Central Canada
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Wildfires raging through western and central Canada have forced the evacuation of more than 26,000 people, impacting communities in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, Anadolu Agency reported.

The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre reported 187 active fires nationwide as of Sunday, with 97 classified as “out of control.” Local sources indicate that over 17,000 residents have been evacuated in Manitoba, 8,000 in Saskatchewan, and 1,300 in Alberta.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on X that he has activated the federal Incident Response Group in response to the escalating wildfires, which have led to evacuations and the deployment of military support. Canadian Armed Forces personnel are assisting with air evacuations in Manitoba, including at the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation.

Carney also pledged that the federal government will match donations to the Red Cross for affected areas and is collaborating with provinces and Indigenous leaders to ensure public safety.

Evacuation centers are open throughout Manitoba, including one in Winkler near the US border. Smoke from the fires has drifted into parts of the US, triggering air quality alerts in the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes regions. The US Department of Agriculture has sent an air tanker and 150 firefighters to support efforts in Alberta.