Evacuation orders have been issued by the communities of Easterville and Chemawawin First Nation, 450 kilometres north of Winnipeg, due to smoke and threat from a fire that has moved to within half a kilometre of the community.

Forest fire cut the grad ceremony short didn't even receive their diplomas 😭😭 Easterville getting evacuated pic.twitter.com/D07WD48nJC

— melanie houle (@lilly_006) June 23, 2016

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

At this time, approximately 70 people from the community of Easterville will be heading to The Pas while up to 2,000 people from Chemawawin First Nation will be going to Winnipeg.  Support and co-ordination of the Chemawawin First Nation evacuation will be handled by the Canadian Red Cross.

Please pray for Chemamawin – Easterville Smoke/fire very close Pray also for firefighters Ekosi. Pic courtesy RoseN pic.twitter.com/UoARJXH2A2

— Sheila North – Bunibonibee Cree Nation (@TheSheilaNorth) June 23, 2016