Manitoba's premier says the Canadian prairie city of Flin Flon hasbeen virtually deserted and more evacuees were expected as wildfires raged in the province.

Premier Wab Kinew told a news conference that the mayor, councilors, health-care staff and other officials have had to depart Flin Flon, a city of 5,000 people.

“The only folks remaining on the ground are firefighters and folks in the office of the fire commissioner and RCMP, who are there to battle the blaze,” Kinew said.

The evacuees are among 17,000 people reported so far to have left their homes due to a number of wildfires burning in remote regions from Manitoba’s northwest to the southeast.

Earlier on Friday, Flin Flon Mayor George Fontaine said fierce winds were threatening to breach the city limits and begin burning structures in the city located nearly 400 miles (645 kilometers) northwest of the provincial capital of Winnipeg.

  • Jay@lemmy.caEnglish
    9·
    5 days ago

    I’m in southern Manitoba. Our Air Quality Health Index is forecast to be at 10 (very high risk) through the weekend. Right now it’s hazy but not too bad, as the smoke drifts by us and into the U.S. For those that are also dealing with this…

    From Environment Canada

    Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.

    As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.

    You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.

    People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.

    When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool.

    Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles.

    If you must spend time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke. Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health.

    Check in on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution.

    • HellsBelle@sh.itjust.worksOPEnglish
      5·
      5 days ago

      I was out early this morning for an appointment (Winnipeg) and it was pretty hazy then. Things would be better if we got a day or two of rain.

      • Jay@lemmy.caEnglish
        5·
        5 days ago

        Yup we can really use it right about now. There’s a 60% chance on Monday but that doesn’t sound too promising.

        • HellsBelle@sh.itjust.worksOPEnglish
          4·
          4 days ago

          Just checked the satellite and it looks like we’ve got a high pressure trough sitting right on top of us that’s holding everything west.

          Pressure is dropping but that doesn’t mean too much if the jet stream doesn’t punch through.