Manitoba Wildfires: Military Helicopters in Full Force for Mass Evacuations

Wildfires in Manitoba prompt large-scale evacuations as Canadian military assists. The Pas airport in northern Manitoba has become a central hub for the evacuation of residents from communities threatened by wildfires. The Canadian military has been instrumental in the rescue operation, using helicopters to transport people to safety. "Almost everybody who needs to be out of Pukatawagan is out right now," reported Adrienne Arsenault, CBC News chief correspondent, from The Pas airport. However, the intense heat and a short runway have limited the use of larger aircraft, such as the Hercules C-130s. Smaller helicopters like the Griffon and Chinook are carrying out the bulk of the evacuations. Evacuees are being brought to a hangar at the airport where the Red Cross is providing food and shelter. The operation is a testament to the coordinated efforts of various agencies working together to ensure the safety of those affected by the devastating wildfires.