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Forest fires in western Canada force evacuation
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-05-30 10:09

OTTAWA -- At least 1,000 people were evacuated from several communities as forest fires raged for the sixth day in western Canada's Manitoba province, officials said Thursday.

Another 600 residents have been ordered to leave due to concerns about heavy smoke or blocked traffic, the Manitoba government said in a press release.

Firefighters hope to control the fires, burning in northern Manitoba, by the weekend. The blaze is believed to have been caused by humans, the press release said.

A provincial regulation prohibits open fires from April 1 to Nov. 15 each year, except under a burning permit or in approved fire pits such as campfire pits in provincial campsites.

Officials have warned that the continued hot and dry weather means an increased risk of forest fires across the province and advised people in forested areas to exercise caution.