Manitoba First Nation evacuating some residents due to wildfire smoke

Smoke is seen billowing from a wildfire burning near Cross Lake on May 22, 2025. (Garnet Monias)

A Manitoba First Nation is taking a precautionary step to evacuate some of its most vulnerable residents as an out of control wildfire burns nearby.

Pimicikamak Cree Nation Chief David Monias said a change in winds could bring heavy smoke to the area and the community is now focused on getting the elderly, those with respiratory illnesses and children to Winnipeg.

“It’s precautionary to make sure that the smoke doesn’t do damage to people’s lungs,” said Monias.

According to the latest data from the province, there is an out of control wildfire near Cross Lake that is roughly 1,500 hectares in size.

There is another much smaller wildfire south of that, which is also considered out of control.

While there isn’t a threat to the community at this time, Monias said they have learned from the last wildfire in the area.

“We lost two people, two lives, as a result of that smoke,” he said. “We’re not taking any chances with our people with health problems, breathing problems.”

As of Saturday afternoon, Monias said one plane had already loaded up residents and was heading to Winnipeg and another was arriving to take a second round of people.

Monias said it’s possible around 1,000 people could be evacuated by the time the weekend is over.

So far, just over 300 people have been booked on flights.

The community is receiving help from the Emergency Management Organization, the Red Cross and the local emergency management team.

“We’re lucky that we have all these people that are coming to help us this time around.”

Pimicikamak Cree Nation, also known as Cross Lake, is around 521 kilometres north of Winnipeg.