Around 300 residents of Red Sucker Lake First Nation were evacuated by the Canadian Red Cross to Thompson yesterday afternoon due to a forest fire in the region.

Due to potential health concerns stemming from the fire, it was determined those community members whose health would be at the greatest risk should be evacuated.

The flights began early yesterday afternoon.  Evacuees were flown to Thompson to await larger flights to Winnipeg, where they will stay during the evacuation. They came to Thompson first to ensure that everyone at risk gets out of the community as quickly as possible.

The support is part of an agreement between the Canadian Red Cross and the federal government to provide disaster assistance to Manitoba First Nations.

Since Red Cross disaster assistance to First Nations is supported by the federal government, the expenses for these responses are covered.

 Anyone wishing to make a donation to help the Red Cross prepare for future disasters can go to www.redcross.ca or call 1-800-418-1111.

 Individuals who want to learn about how they can volunteer to help with future disasters can go to www.redcross.ca or call 204-982-7330.