Manitoba government declares state of emergency as wildfires rage [Video]

The Manitoba government has declared a provincewide state of emergency to protect Manitobans from the ongoing threat of wildfires.

Thousands of people are being ordered to flee their homes in northern Manitoba due to a threat from nearby wildfires that are raging across the province.

Evacuees heading to Winnipeg are encouraged to stay with friends or family if possible, according to a bulletin from the Manitoba government late Wednesday night.

People without a place to stay are being directed to a reception centre at Billy Mosienko Arena at 709 Keewatin Street in Winnipeg. The reception centre opened at 9 p.m. Wednesday and was scheduled to remain open all night.

The city of Flin Flon and the First Nations of Pimicikimak and Mathias Colomb issued mandatory evacuation orders on Wednesday afternoon.

“This is the largest evacuation in many Manitobans’ living memory and this will require significant resources and co-operation from all levels of government,” Premier Wab Kinew said in a statement.

“I have spoken with the …