Canada’s western province of Manitoba is facing its worst wildfire season in recent memory, prompting the evacuation of over 17,000 residents. Premier Wab Kinew declared a province-wide state of emergency and called on Prime Minister Mark Carney to deploy military support. Aircraft and firefighting personnel are being mobilized to aid in the evacuations of remote northern communities.
According to The Guardian, as of May 28 there are 134 active wildfires across Canada, with roughly half considered out of control. Fires are burning across multiple provinces, including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. Manitoba’s premier said emergency shelters were being established, and urged businesses and communities across the province to “open their doors” to those displaced by the wildfires.
The climate crisis has been cited as a key factor in the rising frequency and intensity of wildfires across the country. In 2023, Canada experienced its most destructive fire season on record—a trend experts warn is becoming the new norm.
Click through the following gallery to learn more about the most devastating wildfires in recent history.