WINNIPEG — Manitoba is urging tourists to avoid non-essential travel to the province at this time due to the ongoing wildfire situation.
Approximately 21,000 people have been evacuated from their homes as the province and aid organizations work to find accommodation for them all.
“This is one of the largest evacuations in our province’s history,” Lisa Naylor, the Manitoba cabinet minister in charge of emergency management, said Monday.
“The government anticipates there may be a need for more hotel rooms as the wildfire season continues. For that reason we are urging Manitobans and Canadians to reconsider non-essential travel and event plans within Manitoba.”
She added: “There are thousands of evacuees currently displaced and the provincial government along with its partners have been working quickly to find accommodation that fits their comfort, medical and family needs.”
Evacuees from 27 communities have already registered with the Canadian Red Cross.
The Manitoba Wildfire Service is responding to 29 active wildfires across the province, a total of 116 wildfires to date, above the average for this date of 103 total fires.
Naylor acknowledged it was a difficult announcement to make to avoid non-essential travel to Manitoba.
“We absolutely know how important tourism is to Manitoba and we are very mindful of the many workers whose livelihoods depend on a strong tourism sector.”
The Manitoba Hotel Association estimates there are about 15,000 hotel rooms in the province.
The province has set up four congregate shelters for wildfire evacuees, with reception centres in Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson.
— With files from The Canadian Press
