WINNIPEG - The city of Winnipeg is making preparations to utilize its downtown convention center as a shelter to accommodate the increasing number of individuals fleeing from wildfires. This decision comes as a significant number of residents, primarily from Manitoba, have been forced to evacuate their homes due to the ongoing wildfire crisis.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew shared a brief video on his social media platform, showcasing the setup of cots in the large space of the convention center. This initiative underscores the urgent need for shelter as more than 12,000 residents have already been displaced from their homes. Previously, about 22,000 individuals had also been evacuated due to earlier wildfire incidents, highlighting the severity and persistence of this environmental challenge.

Recent reports indicate that communities in Lynn Lake and Snow Lake are facing evacuations for the second time within just a few weeks, pointing to the recurrent nature of these wildfires in the region. The situation has been exacerbated by additional wildfires in Saskatchewan, where smoke and reduced visibility has led to the issuance of a wildfire emergency alert by Parks Canada, specifically for Prince Albert National Park.

Currently, approximately a thousand residents across various communities in Saskatchewan are also being evacuated due to the fires, adding to the growing list of individuals impacted by this crisis. The frequency and intensity of these wildfires pose significant challenges for local authorities in both Manitoba and Saskatchewan, as they work to provide adequate support and shelter for those affected.

This ongoing situation highlights the pressing need for emergency response strategies and community support systems to effectively manage the adverse effects of wildfires, which have become a growing concern in Western Canada. The actions taken by officials such as Premier Wab Kinew reflect a proactive approach to addressing the immediate needs of displaced residents as they continue to navigate the challenges posed by these natural disasters.

This report originally appeared on July 14, 2025, when the evacuation efforts and responses to the wildfires were gaining significant public attention across the affected provinces.

The Canadian Press