#Pimicikamak #Cree #FirstNation trying to get 767 people out of northern #Manitoba community as #wildfire closes in

'It's very smoky here [and] it's getting thicker, because the fire's at our doorstep': Chief Monias

Darren Bernhardt · CBC News · Posted: May 29, 2025

"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

[...]

"Those in Pimicikamak are among 17,000 expected to be evacuated as fires intensify in both northern and eastern Manitoba.

"Premier Wab Kinew on Wednesday evening declared a provincewide state of emergency.

"Evacuation orders have also been issued for #FlinFlon, #LynnLake, #Pukatawagan #Cree Nation (also known as Mathias Colomb First Nation), #MarcelColomb First Nation and #Sherridon.

"In addition to #NorwayHouse Cree Nation, #Chemawawin Cree Nation (Easterville) is under an evacuation notice, with people ordered to be ready to leave.

"The majority of the evacuees will head to Winnipeg and will be housed at large facilities such as community centres, soccer fields and arenas, Monias said."

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/wildfire-evacuations-pimicikamak-cree-nation-manitoba-1.7546711

#ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #ClimateCatastrophe #CanadaWx #Wildfires #ClimateDiary #FirstNations