‘Very eerie’: Evacuees describe Flin Flon sky engulfed by wildfire smoke

The city of Flin Flon in Manitoba experienced a drastic change in weather conditions within the span of just one day. Noelle Drimmie, a resident of the city, described the eerie shift from a clear summer blue sky to one shrouded in smoke, with the air tasting like an ashtray. The sudden change prompted the evacuation of thousands of Manitobans, including Drimmie’s family.

As the evacuation alert came on Wednesday afternoon, residents like Drimmie and Anna Krassilowsky packed up their belongings and headed south to safety. Drimmie, a photographer, made sure to capture videos of their home and possessions before leaving, just in case the worst happened. Krassilowsky described the hazy, smoke-filled environment as she drove out of the city, noting the surreal colors in the sky and the chaos at gas stations.

Flin Flon Mayor George Fontaine coordinated with neighboring communities to ensure a smooth evacuation process, as the wildfires in the region continued to grow closer to the city. Despite the high walls of flames and the dry conditions, no homes or buildings had been lost in Flin Flon at that time. The efforts of firefighters and emergency responders were praised for their heroic work in battling the blazes.

The out-of-control fire, which originated in Flin Flon’s sister city of Creighton, Saskatchewan, threatened both communities and prompted widespread evacuations across the region. As the fire neared Flin Flon, the city’s residents faced a challenging journey to safety, with traffic jams on the highway and emotional moments for families like Drimmie’s.

The province of Manitoba declared a state of emergency, with multiple communities under evacuation orders or notices. The number of active wildfires was far above the annual average, leading to a significant strain on resources and emergency responders. Premier Wab Kinew emphasized the importance of supporting evacuees and ensuring their safety during this challenging time.

As evacuees made their way to Winnipeg and other reception centers, the community came together to provide support and assistance. Mayor Scott Gillingham urged evacuees to register with the Red Cross and emphasized the importance of helping those who arrived with little more than the clothes on their backs.

Despite the uncertainty and anxiety surrounding the wildfires, residents like Noelle Drimmie remained hopeful that they would have a home to return to. The resilience of the community and the efforts of firefighters gave them confidence that their city would be saved from the approaching flames. As the situation continued to unfold, residents and officials alike remained vigilant, prepared to provide updates and support for those affected by the wildfires.