OTTAWA, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Manitoba, one of Canada's three Prairie Provinces, declared on Wednesday a state of emergency due to extreme wildfire conditions and threats.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said in a news release that the declaration was based on the recommendation from Manitoba's wildfire and emergency management officials.
"With the wildfires in northern Manitoba intensifying, our government has triggered a provincewide state of emergency to help us through this crisis," said Kinew.
The city of Flin Flon, as well as the First Nations of Pimicikimak and Mathias Colomb, have issued mandatory evacuation orders which involve about 17,000 people. All residents and visitors must evacuate the communities as soon as possible before midnight.
"This is the largest evacuation in many Manitobans' living memory and this will require significant resources and co-operation from all levels of government," he said.
The premier said he had spoken with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and requested the support of the Canadian Armed Forces in transporting evacuees.
Kinew confirmed at a news conference that Carney accepted his request to have the military step in to fly people to safety "in hours".
He said that the majority of the evacuees will head to the capital city of the province, Winnipeg, and will be housed at large facilities such as soccer fields and arenas.
The state of emergency is initially in effect for 30 days once issued and may be extended if necessary. This ensures federal, provincial and local resources can be delivered in a coordinated response to help protect Manitobans, noted the premier. Enditem
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