Pimicikamak Cree Nation trying to get 767 people out of northern Manitoba community as wildfire closes in [Video]

A wildfire is at the threshhold of Pimicikamak Cree Nation, choking the air with smoke, as the northern Manitoba community’s leaders work to get 767 people out.

“Many that couldn’t get out because the junction at Highway 374 and Highway 373 is their lifeline to Norway House, and now it’s being compromised by the fire and the smoke,” Chief David Monias said Thursday morning.

Pimicikamak had started a precautionary evacuation Friday as wildfires impacted air quality. Residents were flown out from the airport in the community, about 530 kilometres north of Winnipeg on the shores of Cross Lake, but high winds and dry conditions worsened the situation this week.

Without notice, flights were cancelled Wednesday, just as Monias issued a full evacuation order, telling the remaining 6,500 residents to head south to Norway House Cree Nation.

That community is under an evacuation notice, but not yet an order.

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