Poplar River fire under control as community prepares to go home
The fire near Poplar River First Nation is now classified as "being held."
Wildfire still threatening other Manitoba First Nations
The fire near Poplar River First Nation is now classified as "being held."
According to a Manitoba Sustainable Development spokesperson, that means firefighting efforts are controlling the fire's growth.
It's enough for the community to plan an end to their three-week evacuation beginning Tuesday.
The province says firefighters are continuing to monitor the fire and are continuing to work on hot spots.
Meanwhile, the wildfire near Wasagamack First Nation remains at about 28,000 hectares and is still about one kilometre away from the community — about the same as it was Saturday, though fire crews are continuing to work to keep the fire away from the First Nation.
Smoke billowing over to the Garden Hill First Nation has prompted more evacuations there — another 650 people Saturday with up to 900 more expected in the coming days.
The Red Cross told CBC it is now consulting with chiefs of evacuated communities about schooling options for youth while staying in shelters and hotels in Winnipeg and Brandon.