The City of Thompson has suspended some of its operations today as it assists evacuees from Cross Lake.

 

Residents of the First Nation had to be evacuated due to a wildfire near the community.

 

City Hall is closed to the public as staff has been redeployed for emergency and social services response.

 

The city got word of the evacuation last night at around 11:30 a.m, with the first evacuees arriving approximately 3:30 a.m. this morning. City officials were told to expect between a dozen and 7, 000 people.

 

Additionally, the TRCC is closed as it’s serving as accommodations for evacuees, with more than 1, 000 Cross Lake residents sheltering at the community centre as of 8 a.m. this morning. Evacuees are also being housed in local hotels.

 

The city says the TRCC is expected to remain closed for normal activities until the evacuation ends and displaced residents are able to return home.

 

City Hall may also be closed beyond today if staff is required for emergency response operations.