As wildfires in Manitoba continue to expand, residents and those concerned are urgently looking for the latest information.
“It’s a natural instinct for people to want to stay informed and share what seems like important news,” explains Jared Wesley, a political science professor from the University of Alberta. “However, sharing information that isn’t directly from an official government source can unintentionally contribute to the spread of misinformation.”
During emergencies, authorities and first responders prioritize direct communication, using methods like phone alerts, door-to-door notifications, and social media.
On June 1, the RM of Kelsey issued a warning on their Facebook regarding false information about firefighters’ wellbeing.
RM of Kelsey / Facebook
This urgent demand for updates can lead to the rapid dissemination of unverified and often incorrect information online.
A recent situation in Flin Flon highlighted this issue, where the Manitoba RCMP and local officials had to intervene to correct false claims about firefighters, adding extra stress during a critical moment.
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“Whenever I have to deal with these false claims, it halts my other responsibilities and becomes my top priority,” states Lori Forbes, the emergency coordinator for R.M. of Kelsey. “Many people across Canada have firefighters in Manitoba and Saskatchewan working hard and risking their lives; the last thing we want to do is cause distress to their families.”
She further added, “It’s disinformation, it’s cruel, and I wish people would refrain from it.”
Recently, some major social media platforms have decreased their fact-checking efforts.
Wesley also points out that Meta, which includes Facebook and Instagram, has banned many legitimate news outlets in a dispute over federal taxation.
Given these issues, Wesley and other officials emphasize the importance of users verifying the original source of information before sharing it online.
“After most natural disasters, public inquiries are common. If the government is found untrustworthy in these matters, voters can express their discontent at the ballot box,” Wesley comments.
“However, during the emergency, it’s vital for people to heed the guidance from their governments and rely on reputable sources for their news.”
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