Poplar River fire under control as community prepares to go home

The fire near Poplar River First Nation is now classified as "being held."

According to a Manitoba Sustainable Development spokesperson, that means firefighting efforts are controlling the fire's growth.

It's enough for the community to plan an end to their three-week evacuation beginning Tuesday.

• Poplar River evacuation order to be lifted Tuesday, chief says

The province says firefighters are continuing to monitor the fire and are continuing to work on hot spots.

Smoke billowing over to the Garden Hill First Nation has prompted more evacuations there another 650 people Saturday with up to 900 more expected in the coming days.

• Another 1,500 evacuated from Garden Hill First Nation due to wildfire

The Red Cross told CBC it is now consulting withchiefs of evacuated communities about schooling options for youth while staying in shelters and hotels in Winnipeg and Brandon.