Manitoba Wildfires: Premier Kinew Raises Alarm Over Possible Arson
In a stark update on the escalating wildfire situation in Manitoba, Premier Wab Kinew emphasized the urgent need for vigilance among residents as the province grapples with a series of destructive blazes. During a press conference held on Wednesday, Kinew made a direct plea for the public to refrain from flying drones, noting that such activities have obstructed firefighting efforts, particularly in the already hard-hit community of Flin Flon, which is currently facing evacuation orders.
The Premier described a particularly troubling incident in Flin Flon, where firefighting operations were severely compromised due to a “drone incursion.” This interference blocked access for vital water bombers tasked with battling the flames, highlighting the critical necessity for clear airspace in such emergencies. Kinew’s stern remarks underscored the gravity of the situation, as he warned that citizens in other regions should be prepared for potential evacuation notices in the coming days.
As of Tuesday evening, Manitoba is grappling with 18 active wildfires, a concerning statistic that has prompted alarm among state officials. Kristin Hayward, the assistant deputy minister responsible for Manitoba’s Wildfire Service, reported that the area burned this month alone has reached nearly triple the province’s annual average. This sharp increase is seen as indicative of dire fire conditions, exacerbated by a lack of rainfall and lightning strikes.
While investigations into the origins of the wildfires have not yet yielded conclusive evidence pointing to deliberate arson, Kinew strongly suggested that human activity is a significant factor in these incidents. “Unless there’s a muskrat out there with a Zippo lighter,” he remarked, reinforcing the notion that the absence of natural causes firmly places responsibility on humans for igniting these fires.
With the risk escalating and conditions remaining dry, it is imperative for everyone across Manitoba to stay alert and responsive to official warnings. The province continues to battle the wildfires, and the collaboration between residents and officials will be crucial in mitigating further devastation.
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Video “Manitoba wildfires: Premier Wab Kinew suggests people “are starting these fires”” was uploaded on 05/28/2025 to Youtube Channel Global News