Smoke from a wildfire in central Manitoba near Poplar River First Nation has forced people to leave their homes, the Canadian Red Cross said.
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.
Canadian Red Cross said in a news release that they are providing transportation, lodging and food to those who have been evacuated.
“It is unfortunate that members of Poplar River have been forced to flee their homes due to a wildfire 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.” said Cailin Hodder with the Canadian Red Cross.
Anyone wishing to make a donation or volunteer to help future disasters can go to www.redcross.ca or call 204-982-7330.
