Easterville, Chemawawin Cree Nation forest fire evacuees arrive in Winnipeg

A forest fire has forced the evacuation of theEasterville and the Chemawawin CreeNation in central Manitoba on Thursday.

As a result a state of emergency has been declared as the fire inches closer to houses.

The first wave of evacuees fromChemawawinarrived Thursday night in Winnipeg.It is unclear exactly how many residents remain inthe community.

"Quite a few people have left already but there's still some left," saidChemawawinChief Clarence Easter.

Easterville, Chemawawin Cree Nation forest fire evacuees arrive in Winnipeg

8 years ago

Duration 1:41

A forest fire has forced the evacuation of the Easterville and the Chemawawin Cree Nation in central Manitoba on Thursday.

Up to 2,000 people fromChemawawinwill be evacuated to Winnipeg, according to the province, while70 others areheading to The Pas. The Red Cross isco-ordinatingthe evacuation.

Easter said some residents remained in areas under an evacuation order because "they want to keep their homes" and they don't think the fire "is that serious."

The chiefsaid the fire presents a dangerous situation for residents at the very least, the air quality has diminished significantly in the area due to high levels of smoke.

"I'm scared. Worried. Homeless," said Rosina Sinclair, one of the evacuees in Winnipeg. She was only able to bring two pairs of clothes with her before leaving home.

"My heart is pounding. I feel for the rest of the residents of Easterville,lots tolose."

As of Thursday afternoon, theflames had moved within half akilometre ofthe community.

Chemawawin CreeNation is based in Easterville, which is about 450 kilometres north of Winnipeg.

ChiefEaster told CBC News the wildfire has been burning for a few daysand waterbombers had been bringing it under control.

Windy conditions and hot temperatures made the fire worse on Thursday, and by 2 p.m. CT, Easter saidhe was advised by the province to issue theevacuation order.

"It all blew up this afternoon," he said."I checked with resources this morning and they said it was OK, but then I checked again this afternoon and they said, 'No, you've got to evacuate.' It was that fast."

Easter saidno injuries have been reported so far and no homes have been destroyed.

"Fire crews are working on three fires in the area, with ground attack as well as two water bombers," the province said.

'Get them out in time'

Easter said the evacuation order cut short the local school's graduation ceremony, but it was important for him to make sure everyone is safe.

EvacueeArlene Young said her niece's graduation ceremonyended early on Thursday. Everyone was surprisedby the evacuation order.

"It was so sudden," she said.

"I hope and pray that the fire goes out andwe can all go home. I just feel devastated like some of us haven't been in the city ...it's just scary out here."

An RCMP spokesperson said "a number of officers" are helping emergency measures officials in the community.

One hundred wildfires have been reported in Manitoba this year, the average for this date is 233, said the province.