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Manitoba First Nation evacuates due to smoke

Aug. 14, 2017, Poplar River, Man. -The Canadian Red Cross says smoke from a wildfire in central Manitoba near Poplar River First Nation has forced people to leave their homes.

According to the organization, First Nation officials and the federal government decided that members of the community whose health would be impacted by the smoke should leave their homes immediately.

About 250 people were evacuated as of Friday, with another 350 still expected to leave as well.

Red Cross officials say they are providing transportation, lodging and food to those who have been evacuated.

The fire is not currently threatening any structures in the community.

Poplar River is about 350 kilometres north of Winnipeg.

''It is unfortunate that members of Poplar River have been forced to flee their homes due to a wildfire,'' said Cailin Hodder with the
Canadian Red Cross. ''But our team, working closely with First Nations leadership and the federal government, has been able to  quickly begin the effort of supporting them, to help reduce as much stress as possible.''

(CTV Winnipeg)

August 14, 2017 
By The Canadian Press