Wildfires force evacuations of Garden Hill, Snow Lake in Manitoba

The wildfire threat is worsening in northern Manitoba, prompting alerts and evacuations for at least two more communities.

Garden Hill First Nation, with a population of about 3,000, is being threatened by fire.

Eleanor Olszewski, the federal minister for emergency management, says Ottawa has approved Manitoba's request for armed forces support and evacuations in the Garden Hill area are underway.

The Town of Snow Lake has also issued a mandatory evacuation order and is telling its 1,000 residents to stay with friends or family or at a shelter 600 kilometres south in Winnipeg.

Mayor Ron Scott says it's frustrating, as this is the second time this year the town has had to evacuate.

He says a major fire is within 16 kilometres of the town and wind is blowing it toward the community.