PIKANGIKUM FIRST NATION - Vulnerable residents of Pikangikum First Nation are being evacuated according to a post on the First Nations' Facebook page.
Two planes are being made available at the Pikangikum airport for families, children, elderly, individuals with medical conditions and pregnant women.
The Facebook post, issued by Chief Sainnawap at 2:50 p.m. on Saturday, reads, "A new, larger fire has started close to Pikangikum and has become a threat to the community. With the changing winds, smoke is expected to reach the community by this evening."
MP Ralph Goodale, Canada's Minister of Public Safety, tweeted at 3:05 P.M. that Canadian Armed Forces are mobilizing to assist evacuees.
The Government of Canada has received and accepted a request for assistance from Ontario to help evacuate the community of #Pikangikum due to smoke from wildfires. Canadian Armed Forces are mobilizing to assist quickly.
— Ralph Goodale (@RalphGoodale) July 6, 2019
Chief Sainnawap is urging Pikangikum community members to go to Pikangikum High School to register for evacuation.
All Pikangikum community members are strongly encouraged to continue to monitor the Facebook page for any updates and new information.
Red Lake fire 39 is located seven kilometres southwest of Pikangikum First Nation, although it's unclear whether this is the fire causing the threat to the community.
On Friday evening, the Ministry of Natural Resources said northwest winds should keep smoke from Red Lake Fire 39 out of Pikangikum First Nation in a media release.
