Winnipeg/IBNS: A wildfire is getting close to Manitoba's northern community displaced hundreds of people with emergency evacuations underway, Pimicikamak Cree Nation Chief David Monias said.

The residents have gone to Thompson, The Pas and Brandon, while others went to Winnipeg, but have yet to secure hotel accommodations.

Monias noted that after he asked for help from the Red Cross and Indigenous Services Canada on Wednesday night, the Red Cross reportedly confirmed that it was activated to support the evacuation of Pimicikamak.

Monias was reported to say that since last week the fire has been burning south of Cross Lake, where the community is located.

Crews from several First Nations in the area have been battling it, but strong winds on Wednesday pushed flames closer.

Rain has been falling Thursday morning in Pimicikamak, Monias said he is praying it will help to extinguish the flames.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)