Manitoba wildfires changed from emergency to tragedy, premier says [Video]

Manitoba officials are urging residents of the affected areas to heed wildfire evacuation orders.

Premier Wab Kinew said Thursday that there are over 1,000 registered evacuees at this point — a number which is likely much higher due to people who have yet to register.

The ongoing crisis involves 21 actively burning fires across the province, including a blaze in the RM of Lac du Bonnet which caused the death of two people.

Kinew said flags are at half-mast at the Manitoba legislature.

“I offer sincere condolences to the family, friends and community members who lost two of our own,” the premier said.

“The news of this loss of life changes what was an emergency into a tragedy.”

Some progress has been made in containing the Lac du Bonnet fire, provincial officials said, which was still considered out-of-control but hasn’t been as intense.

Other areas affected include Bird River near …