More than 300 people living in Pimicikamak Cree Nation were forced out of their homes this weekend as smoke from an active wildfire threatened the health of vulnerable residents.

The First Nation made arrangements to evacuate high-priority residents, including the elderly and people with respiratory issues.

Five planes had taken evacuees out of the First Nation as of Saturday night.

Just over 200 people were taken to Winnipeg,  while about 86 evacuees went to Thompson.

An out-of-control wildfire burning a few kilometres southwest of Pimicikamak has reached around 1,500 hectares in size.

A five-hectare wildfire, also considered to be out of control, is burning about 50 kilometres southwest of the First Nation.