The Canadian Red Cross is supporting the evacuation of priority one residents from Little Grand Rapids and Pauingassi First Nations due to wildfire smoke in the communities.
Priority one residents include the elderly, babies, and those with chronic respiratory problems.
A maximum of 150 residents from Little Grand Rapids are being evacuated and the evacuation should be completed by end-of-day today.
Up to 50 residents from Pauingassi First Nation will be evacuated.
Priority one residents from both communities are being evacuated to Winnipeg and will be provided shelter in hotels.
The response is part of an agreement between the Canadian Red Cross and the federal government to provide all disaster assistance to Manitoba First Nations.
The Canadian Red Cross has a team of trained volunteers and staff who have the skills and resources to support evacuees in communities throughout Manitoba, however, we always need more caring and dedicated individuals who want to help people in need. Anyone who wants to volunteer to help with disasters can email
volunteer@redcross.ca or call 1-844-818-2155.
Since Red Cross disaster assistance to First Nations is supported by the federal government, the expenses for the response are covered. Anyone wishing to make a donation to help the Red Cross prepare to assist Manitobans impacted by future disasters can go to
redcross.ca or call 1-800-418-1111.
The Red Cross does not accept donations of any items as it does not have the capacity and resources to handle and store goods. Anyone looking to donate items is asked to reach out to community groups in their area and not to take them to where evacuees are staying.