Manitoba, Canada
This is the second emergency declared this year due to widespread bushfires in Canada, which have been difficult to control over the past six months.
Canada has seen a substantial rise in bushfire incidents, particularly in the last three years. As of Thursday, Canadian authorities reported 2,672 fires in 2025, with 354 still active and 105 classified as “uncontrolled.”
Media reports highlight various fires, noting that the ongoing blaze is part of what has been recognized as the worst year for forest fires in Canadian history. An estimated 100 million Americans have been impacted by the smoke, prompting officials across the U.S. to advise staying indoors and using protective masks. A striking image captured a significant U.S. city enveloped in dark, smoky air, coinciding with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s comments attributing the crisis to climate change.
While Canadian officials often cite climate issues, some researchers point to ineffective forest management and occasional arson as contributing factors exacerbating the wildfire situation.
In response to potential impacts on their constituents, a group of six Republican lawmakers, led by Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI), reached out to Canada’s ambassador in Washington, Kirsten Hillman.
Alongside Tiffany were representatives Brad Finstadt (R-MN), Glenn Grossman (R-WI), Michelle Fishbach (R-MN), Pete Stauber (R-MN), and Tom Emmer (R-MN). Given their shared border with Canada, states like Wisconsin and Minnesota are particularly vulnerable if Canada cannot manage its bushfires effectively.
“As we approach the peak of fire season, we’d like to understand how your government plans to address these wildfires,” Tiffany stated.
He noted, “It’s clear that inadequate forest management is a significant cause, but we’ve also seen arson play a role in major wildfires in Canada. With the advanced technology at our disposal, we could mitigate this trend if appropriate actions are taken.”
Tiffany emphasized the duty to protect the health of Americans affected by the poor air quality tied to the smoke, mentioning that “summer is usually the perfect time for outdoor activities and family gatherings, but the wildfire smoke puts a damper on those plans.”
According to Canada’s natural resources department, Canada and the U.S. have a longstanding history of collaborating on fire management. However, despite the persistent challenges posed by wildfires, there is no federal equivalent in Canada to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The letter sent to Hillman did not directly address Manitoba’s Premier Wab Kinew, who criticized the American lawmakers as “ambulance chasers,” suggesting they were trivializing a serious issue. In comments made when he declared a state of emergency, Kinew voiced skepticism about the Canadian government’s past responses to uncontrollable fires, asserting that “it’s frustrating to see U.S. lawmakers seeking to capitalize on a tragedy while we’re dealing with significant losses.”
Kinew pointed out that many American firefighters have actively assisted during emergency efforts in Canada, urging U.S. lawmakers to acknowledge their contributions.
In a response to Kinew’s remarks, Tiffany stated, “American firefighters are always ready to help in crises, yet the threat of wildfires underscores the need for more proactive forest management practices.”
“Kinew might label me an ‘ambulance chaser,’ but my focus is on ensuring that my constituents can breathe safely and not suffer due to the smoke from his fires,” he concluded.
Manitoba is not alone in facing wildfire challenges; Saskatchewan also declared a state of emergency earlier this summer. Reports indicate that Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario have been grappling with their own wildfire issues this season.
