Smiths Falls to host evacuees
Posted Jul 22, 2011 10:34:18 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Six bus loads of First Nations evacuees arrived in Smiths Falls early this morning after being airlifted out of their Deer Lake community which is threatened by the wildfires in northern Ontario. 340 adults and children arrived this morning, with another 150 expected to arrive later today. Smiths Falls mayor, Dennis Staples received the call on Wednesday about the need for help. Volunteers and emergency services have been preparing the former site of Rideau Regional Centre for their arrival. Staples has declared a state of emergency so the town can recoup it’s costs through Federal and Provincial avenues. 200 evacuees will also be housed at Brockville’s Psychiatric facilities as well.
