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The Canadian Armed Forces and Perimeter Aviation are working to evacuate residents from Cross Lake as an aggressive wildfire continues to threaten the Northern Manitoba community.
Pimicikamak Cree Nation (Cross Lake) remains under a serious threat as a fast-moving wildfire burns dangerously close to the community. In a Facebook post Friday, Chief David Monias said the fire now has eight heads and is beginning to surround the area.
He says that Highway 373, which connects Cross Lake to Highway 6, has been cut off, forcing some residents to flee south to Norway House Cree Nation, about 40 kilometres away.
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Monias urged residents not to return to Cross Lake under any circumstances, saying the smoke is thick and the fire's behaviour remains unpredictable. He warned that if the fire spreads or the wind shifts toward Norway House, evacuations could become impossible.
He said the Canadian Armed Forces have arrived in Norway House with a plane to evacuate more people. Perimeter Aviation has also stepped in, sending two aircraft to assist with the effort.
Leadership from Pimicikamak is pleading with evacuees to cooperate fully with emergency crews and board the flights when their names are called. Monias acknowledged that many people want to return home or be with family, but stressed that safety must remain the top priority.
Norway House officials have been assisting with the evacuation efforts, but Monias noted they may soon need to prepare for their own emergency response if the fire continues to grow.
Emergency teams remain on the ground assessing the situation, which continues to evolve rapidly.