Red Cross evacuating northern Manitoba First Nation

The Canadian Red Cross is moving hundreds of residents out of Poplar River First Nation today.

Community leadership issued the order to evacuate Tuesday after aforest fire moved within seven kilometres of the small northern community.

About 400 people will be flownto Winnipeg from Poplar Riverin dozens of small planes, said Shawn Feely, vice president the Canadian Red Cross in Manitoba and Nunavut.

• Most of Poplar River First Nation forced from homes by forest fire

Due to the small runway, the organization is only able to land nine-seatplanes.

The evacueeswill join approximately 350 people already in Winnipeg who were flown to the city when a partial evacuation was ordered earlier this month to protect the elderly, very young and people with illnesses who might be vulnerable to poor air quality.

Some people will remain behind in Poplar River to protect homes, the Red Cross said. However, if the flames look like they might threaten homes, the organization will be able to pick them up to and bring them to safety.

Ernest Bruce, who leads the community's emergency management committee, said Tuesday the weather forecast shows winds may push the fire toward the community Thursday and Friday.

"So there was concern by the province due to the potential of smoke coming too close to the community or possibly fire coming directly into the community," he said.

The forest fire near Poplar River, believed to have been caused by lightning, was detected Aug. 5. It currently measures 3,020 hectares in size, according to Manitoba Sustainable Development.

The federal government is paying for the evacuation of Poplar River First Nation, located 346 kilometres north of Winnipeg.

• Forest fire smoke prompts 285 to leave Poplar River First Nation