Fire crews are battling a forest fire that is on the southern outskirts of La Loche, near the community’s airport.
Saskatchewan Environment says the 75-hectare blaze was first reported yesterday afternoon, and temporarily forced the closure of Highway 155 after it crossed the road.
Some outlying homes in the area were evacuated as a precaution, but La Loche Mayor Georgina Jolibois says they have since been allowed to return.
No buildings in the community have been damaged.
Environment spokesman Brent Krayetski says, at last word, the side of the fire that is closest to the community had not yet been contained — but fire crews were expecting favourable conditions today.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but Krayetski says it’s not believed there was any lightning in the area.
Meanwhile, Krayetski says there are two fires situated approximately 60 kilometres northwest of La Ronge — one of which is 100 hectares in size and is producing a lot of smoke.