Massive forest fires in Canada: emergency and evacuations since May!

Massive forest fires in Canada: emergency and evacuations since May!

Flin Flon, Kanada - The forest fire in Canada has worsened dramatically. Travelers in the provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan have to expect considerable restrictions and dangers. In Manitoba, the emergency was proclaimed on May 28, 2025, followed by a similar explanation in Saskatchewan on May 29. The emergency in Saskatchewan initially applies for 30 days, but an extension is possible, such as the Ostsee-Zeitung reported.

Over 17,000 people in Manitoba were evacuated, which according to Prime Minister Wab Kinew is the greatest evacuation in the history of the province. Around 2,000 people had to leave their houses in Saskatchewan. The cities of Flin Flon as well as the first nation municipalities of Pimicikamak and Mathias Colomb.

Current fire development

The current situation is alarming: there are currently 22 active forest fires in Manitoba, while Alberta International helps for a variety of fires. A total of 134 active forest fires have been registered in Canada to date, half of which have come out of control. In order to protect the population, emergency shelters have been set up in Winnipeg, and evacuated are asked to register with the Canadian Red Cross.

Alberta is also severely affected, where 51 forest fires have so far been reported, including 28 out of control. The Ingolf/Whiteshell Provincial Park fire is particularly worrying, which includes around 31,300 hectares and entails evacuations in the Wabaseemong community. The Bird River fire has reached an area of ​​124,000 hectares, which has led to further evacuations.

climate change as the main cause

The causes of these massive fires lie in the high temperatures and the extreme drought that are attributed to climate change. This year, 102 fires have already been registered in Manitoba, which is above the historic average of 77 fires. The current forest fire season, which lasts from May to September, shows alarming numbers: since the beginning of the records, more country has been burned than ever, with over 15 million hectares, which corresponds to about half of the area of ​​Germany. These fires transform forests from carbon sinks to CO2 sources, and around 290 megatons CO2 have already been released.

experts, such as the forest scientist Alexander Held, speak of a “new quality” of the fires that are often beyond the control threshold, and preventive measures are urgently required. The example of Canada clearly shows that the failed forestry, climate change and inadequate prevention result a dangerous mixture that makes such devastating fires reality. Climate change leads to longer dry periods and increases the risk of fire.

travel instructions and recommendations

For travelers, it is urgently advised to find out about the current fire position at the holiday destination before departure. In addition, you should definitely find out about accommodations and routes, as tourist facilities are often closed. Free cancellation is possible for package tours if the holiday location is directly affected, while the cancellation conditions depend on individual travel and accommodation conditions when traveling.