Canadian Wildfires Force Evacuations, Smoke Hits U.S. Air

2 Jun at 10:40 am

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Canadian Wildfires Force Evacuations, Smoke Hits U.S. Air/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ More than 25,000 people across three Canadian provinces have been evacuated as wildfires intensify, choking the air with smoke that has reached U.S. states. The fires, fueled by hot and dry conditions, are overwhelming firefighting resources and affecting visibility and health. U.S. air quality in several northern states has reached “unhealthy” levels.

Wildfire smoke hangs in the air above Highway 97 north of Buckinghorse River, British Columbia, on Friday, May 30, 2025. (Nasuna Stuart-Ulin/The Canadian Press via AP)

Canada Wildfire Emergency Quick Looks

Over 25,000 evacuated in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta
Air quality declines in North Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, South Dakota
Flin Flon, Manitoba among worst-hit areas, thousands displaced
Fire crews, aircraft from U.S. states (Alaska, Oregon, Arizona) deployed
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe: Next 4–7 days are “critical”
Water bombers grounded, firefighting hampered by smoke and drones
Indigenous leaders demand priority for evacuees in crowded hotels
U.S. Forest Service sends air tanker + 150 firefighters
Idaho wildfire burns 100+ acres, prompts local evacuations
AirNow maps show unhealthy levels of smoke across border regions

Lewiston police look on as a person uses a hose to keep the ground damp as strong winds push flames along the hills nearby, Saturday, May 31, 2025, in north Lewiston, Idaho. (August Frank/Lewiston Tribune via AP)

Deep Look: Wildfires Force Thousands to Flee in Canada, Smoke Spreads Across U.S.

FLIN FLON, Manitoba (AP) — As dozens of wildfires rage across Canada, more than 25,000 residents have been forced to evacuate in what officials warn could become one of the country’s most dangerous fire seasons in years. Smoke from the blazes is drifting south, blanketing parts of the northern United States in unhealthy air, and straining emergency resources on both sides of the border.

The majority of evacuations have taken place in Manitoba, where a state of emergency was declared last week. Over 17,000 residents have fled fires in that province alone, while 8,000 more in Saskatchewan and 1,300 in Alberta have also been forced from their homes.

Smoke Reduces Visibility, Raises Health Risks

Officials in Saskatchewan warned Sunday that wildfire smoke is creating rapidly shifting air quality hazards. In a public alert, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency said smoke levels can “fluctuate over short distances and vary considerably from hour to hour,” posing significant health risks—especially to the elderly, children, and those with respiratory conditions.

Premier Moe: “Next Week is Critical”

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said resources are stretched thin as the province battles multiple active fires. In a Saturday press conference, Moe thanked the United States and other Canadian provinces for sending aid, including firefighters and aircraft from Alaska, Arizona, and Oregon.

“We are truly grateful, and we stand stronger because of you,” Moe said.

He added that hot, dry weather is expected to persist and that the next four to seven days will be critical until cooler temperatures or rainfall arrive.

Fires Threaten Flin Flon, Knock Out Power

One of the most severe fires began near Creighton, Saskatchewan, before crossing into Flin Flon, Manitoba, a city of 5,000 located 400 miles northwest of Winnipeg. Crews have struggled to contain the blaze, with thick smoke grounding water bombers and a drone incursion briefly halting aerial operations.

Nearby, the fire knocked out power in Cranberry Portage, prompting mandatory evacuations for 600 residents.

Cross-Border Smoke Reaches U.S. States

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow map showed “unhealthy” air quality levels Sunday across North Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, and South Dakota.

“We should expect at least a couple more rounds of Canadian smoke to come through the U.S. over the next week,” said Bryan Jackson, a meteorologist with the U.S. National Weather Service.

The U.S. Forest Service has sent an air tanker and 150 firefighters to assist in Alberta. Officials say cooperation between nations is key to managing what is rapidly becoming a continental air quality and safety crisis.

Wildfire in Idaho Adds to Pressure

Adding to the region’s challenges, a separate wildfire in Idaho burned more than 100 acres as of Sunday, prompting road closures and evacuations. High winds and steep terrain have made firefighting efforts difficult. At least one structure has been confirmed lost, with more details expected as assessments continue.

Housing Crisis for Canadian Evacuees

With evacuations stretching resources, Manitoba’s cities are overwhelmed. Winnipeg has opened public buildings to accommodate evacuees, as local hotels are already packed with tourists, business travelers, and fire refugees.

Indigenous leaders raised concerns over evacuee conditions. Grand Chief Kyra Wilson of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs said people are being forced to sleep on floors and wait in hallways due to lack of space.

“It’s really sad to see our children having to sleep on floors… People are tired,” Wilson said.

She urged the government to mandate hotels to prioritize displaced families.

A Dangerous Season Ahead

Canada’s wildfire season runs from May through September, with 2023 being the worst on record. Current fire conditions suggest that 2025 may rival or exceed that devastating year. Experts say climate-driven weather patterns and dry landscapes have set the stage for a widespread wildfire emergency across the continent.