Manitoba declares provincewide state of emergency over wildfires [Video]

Manitoba has declared a provincewide state of emergency as wildfires continue to threaten communities across the province. 

An emergency alert issued at around 5:25 p.m. CT Wednesday said the measure was due to rapidly spreading wildfires and extreme fire conditions in northern and eastern Manitoba.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said the “significant step” will involve the evacuation of about 17,000 people as fires continued to intensify throughout Wednesday.

“This is the largest evacuation Manitoba will have seen in most people’s living memory,” Kinew said during a Wednesday evening news conference.

It’s believed to be the largest evacuation since 1997, when the “Flood of the Century” in the Red River valley forced about 25,000 people from their homes.

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Evacuation orders have been issued for the city of Flin Flon, Pimicikamak Cree Nation and the northern community of Cross Lake, along with Pukatawagan Cree Nation, also …