A fast-moving wildfire near Pimicikamak Cree Nation has led to forced evacuation measures after dozens of residents refused to leave.
According to CBC Canada, community leaders have turned to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for support in removing people who have stayed behind despite a mandatory evacuation order issued on May 28.
Chief David Monias said some residents refused to leave even when threatened by flying embers from a nearby 3,300-hectare wildfire southwest of the community.
Two wildfires are currently active on either side of Pimicikamak, a community about 520 kilometers north of Winnipeg.
Chief Monias said community safety has been compromised by residents who are hiding to avoid being evacuated.
He explained that firefighting strategies were delayed while efforts were made to locate and remove the remaining 50 holdouts.
Monias said: “They said, ‘You’re not going to come and get me,’ but we are.”
He added: “We’ll be rounding those people up with RCMP and security and safety officers, going around to make sure they get on a plane [on Tuesday].”
Monias also urged the province to allow arrests under emergency powers to prevent further risks to lives and responders.
CBC Canada reported that one fire, located about 13.5 kilometers southwest of the community, measured approximately 3,300 hectares as of June 3.
The second fire, five kilometers west of Pimicikamak, was 2,287 hectares and had already jumped a lake, threatening to block key escape routes.
Both fires remain uncontrolled, with conditions shifting due to wind and terrain.
Despite the risk, power to the community has not yet been disrupted.
The Jenpeg generating station, operated by Manitoba Hydro, remains operational although fire surrounds the area.
The Canadian Armed Forces confirmed to CBC Canada that more than 3,500 people have been evacuated by air in Manitoba.
Flights from Norway House and Pimicikamak have been used to relocate evacuees to The Pas and Winnipeg.
On June 5, members of the Royal Canadian Air Force evacuated additional residents using C-130 Hercules aircraft.
Sgt. Paul Manaigre of the RCMP said officers remain in Pimicikamak to support local First Nations safety officials and ensure compliance.
Manaigre said: “Our officers were advised late last night that some residents were hiding to avoid being evacuated.”
He added: “Be assured that Manitoba RCMP officers will remain in the community to ensure everyone’s safety.”
The wildfire near Pimicikamak Cree Nation has prompted the use of forced evacuation measures.
CBC Canada reported that two fires near the community remain uncontrolled.
The largest fire is located 13.5 kilometers southwest of Pimicikamak.
A second fire is burning five kilometers west and has crossed a nearby lake.
RCMP and First Nations safety officers are working to locate and remove remaining residents.
Chief David Monias has called for legal authority to arrest individuals who refuse to evacuate.
Military flights have transported more than 3,500 evacuees from wildfire areas.
The Jenpeg generating station remains operational despite fire activity nearby.
Evacuees are being flown to Winnipeg and other safe locations.
Some residents have returned due to evacuation delays and bottlenecks.
The RCMP confirmed that some individuals were hiding to avoid evacuation.
Community leaders and emergency services remain in the area to oversee final evacuations.
