More residents of a northern First Nation are being forced to flee their homes due to a nearby forest fire.
The decision came late Tuesday, as wind continued to push smoke from a nearby wildfire into the community of Poplar River First Nation.
READ MORE: Special Air Quality Statement issued for Southern Manitoba
Poplar River First Nation is a fly-in community, located to the east of the Lake Winnipeg’s northern basin.
The Red Cross is helping to fly out more than 400 residents.
The evacuation will take some time because the runway in the community is short and only small planes can be used.
“Our team of experienced and well-trained volunteers and staff are working closely with the members of the Poplar River First Nation to ensure they receive the support needed during this stressful time,” Shawn Feely, vice-president, Manitoba and Nunavut, Canadian Red Cross said. “It is unfortunate that more members must be evacuated at this time, instead of the initial evacuees returning home, but we will do our best to support them until everyone is able to go back.” .
Earlier this month, 285 residents with health concerns were already flown out and now the remainder of residents were taken out. On top of that, there were already others that were unable to return to the community.
The evacuees will stay in hotels in Winnipeg and the Red Cross said it is working to ensure they have what they need, including lodging, food, support, and other essential items.
The goal is to have everyone out by Wednesday night, with the exception of a small number of people who will stay to support the fire response effort.
By the end of Wednesday, there will be 750 community members being supported by the Red Cross.
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