Manitoba First Nation announces plan to evacuate some members due to wildfires

CTV’s Jon Hendricks has more on how some northern Manitoba communities are preparing for a potential evacuation due to wildfires.

A Manitoba First Nation is pre-emptively planning to evacuate some of its community members due to nearby wildfires.

Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation announced late Tuesday it has approved an evacuation order for “priority one” members, as a wildfire continues to burn near Thompson.

The First Nation said priority one members include people who have been diagnosed with terminal illnesses, children with complex needs, people with heart problems, those living with asthma and COPD, and people who require frequent hospitalization and nursing station visits.

Priority one residents and their escorts are reminded to pack a go bag, which includes identification and medicines, before they go.

Those unsure if they are considered priority one are asked to call the nursing station at 204-484-2031.

The community has been under a state of emergency since Sunday, and residents have been asked to prepare for the possibility of an evacuation.

The fire near Thompson is approximately 7,015 hectares in size and is out of control, according to Tuesday’s fire bulletin released by the province.

How Health Links is helping wildfire evacuees

Health Links has established a new helpline for wildfire evacuees who have been relocated from hospitals and personal care homes.

The organization said the Wildfire Health Information & Patient and Personal Care Home Relocation Line can help people find loved ones who were relocated to different hospitals or care homes, or speak to nurses about their concerns.

The line can be reached by calling 1-888-315-9257 (toll free) or 204-788-8200 and pressing one for assistance.

Thompson residents told to complete registration form

Meanwhile, the City of Thompson is still under a local state of emergency as a wildfire burns around 14 kilometres away.

In a post on Facebook Tuesday, the city is asking people to complete a preplanning registration form in case an evacuation happens.

“This will help to plan transportation to evacuate people without vehicles,” the post reads. “It will also help identify any residents with medical care requirements or other special needs and assist accommodation planning.”

People can complete the form online. If people don’t have access to the internet, the city said staff will bring printed copies.