The Canadian Federal Police say two people died Thursday near a small community in Lac de Bonnet in Manitoba, central Canada.
The bodies of an adult man and woman were found while the state was fighting a massive wildfire that broke out Tuesday.
Manitoba’s vice minister, Christine Hayward, says the fire remained out of control for most of Wednesday and most Thursday. Officials say 21 fires are still on fire in the state at the moment.
As of Thursday there had been 80 active fires across Canada, local media said. The unusually hot, dry and windy conditions quickly spread the fire.
“The fire started yesterday. There has been a lot of reaction to the fire and is still considered out of control,” Hayward said.
Water bombers are seen in the sky over Lake Winnipeg and tackle fires near Lac du Bonnet and Nopiming State Park.
Approximately 1,000 people have evacuated from their homes.
“Davy, my neighbor who saved my life, she came and said we were evacuated,” evacuated Colette Annes said.
“I don’t know, it’s emotionally and physically, I’m numb and numb,” she added.
For some, the fires have come dangerously close to their property.
“Another two or three hundred feet north, it would have burned the entire place,” said Jills Gacher, owner of the local golf club.
Manitoba declared a state of emergency on Thursday in some of the eastern regions of the fire belt, intensifying fire, evacuation and relief efforts.
“Manitoba is planning to declare a state of emergency at Whiteshell State Park, which will allow Park Services and others in the area to have the urgency they need to keep you safe.”
Officials are urging the public in affected areas to pay attention to official announcements and instructions. They also warn local residents of Manitoba that they will not be affected by the flames to refrain from using fireworks and avoid campfires.
Additional sources •AP, transported
