Thousands to flee First Nation in northern Manitoba over wildfire threat

Thousands have fled from a First Nation in northern Manitoba as wildfires burn close to the community. The Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation near Nelson House issued a full evacuation order Sunday in response to the blazes as flames threatened to cut off road access. It’s been upgraded to a mandatory evacuation and the community’s residents — approximately 4,000 people — were to register at the Norman Linklater Memorial Multiplex before boarding planes for Winnipeg. Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Chief Angela Levasseur says crews are doing everything they can to suppress the flames and says concerns have been shared with provincial and federal leaders. Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, a group representing some northern First Nations, says more than 1,300 people have registered with the Canadian Red Cross in Winnipeg, and more were expected to arrive Monday. In July, some residents of the First Nation were ordered to evacuate following a state of emergency over heavy wildfire smoke. Wildfire smoke from across the west has filled many Canadian skies from Vancouver Island to Charlottetown with grey and gritty haze. Continue Reading