Atlantic provinces sending 20 firefighters to help battle wildfires in Manitoba

A 20-person firefighting team from Atlantic Canada is heading to Manitoba to help battle out-of-control wildfires in the province.

Nova Scotia is sending 12 firefighters to Winnipeg on Thursday, who will team up with colleagues from New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Nova Scotia's Department of Natural Resources says fire conditions in the province make it safe to send the crew, but they could be brought home if things change.

The department says fire crews from the province also helped with wildfires in Jasper, Alta., earlier this year.

Thousands of people from First Nations in Manitoba have been forced from their homes because of wildfires.

The Canadian Red Cross said Tuesday it was supporting more than 2,300 people from the remote community of Bunibonibee Cree Nation in northeastern Manitoba, offering lodging, food, transportation and supplies.

The status of the 11,500-hectare fire southeast ofBunibonibeewas changed on Tuesday to "being held" after being listed as out-of-control for the past two weeks by the province's wildfire service.