Finally, the news they have been waiting for — hundreds of evacuees are heading home today after forest fires and heavy smoke forced them from their northern Saskatchewan communities last weekend.
There are now just two communities where the evacuation order remains in place — Sikachu Lake and Clam Lake. The executive director of Wildfire Management, Steve Roberts, says favourable weather conditions have allowed crews to get the upper hand on a number of fires burning in the La Ronge area.
“So we will see reduced fire behaviour with this improved weather assisting us,” he says. “We have been able to access and get crews engaged in all of these fires now because of the improved conditions — and we have seen progress on all of our fires.”
The Sikachu and Clam Lake fire are still a concern, but crews are making headway. Residents of the two communities are among the nearly 1,200 people who were evacuated from their homes. They are still not being allowed back but many others are. Today, the focus for Social Services is moving people back home. Ministry official Kari Kemps says it’s a big job but it’s also a big relief.
“Our evacuees who are out are very pleased to learn they can start going back home,” she says. “That activity involves putting them on a bus and getting organized. Just over two-thirds of the people are expected to move today (Thursday) and we are preparing to decommission our Saskatoon shelter.”
The evacuation centre in Prince Albert will remain open until tomorrow. There are about 475 evacuees there and about 450 in Saskatoon.
There are currently 418 firefighters battling the blazes, as well as 20 helicopters and 27 pieces of heavy equipment.
Conservation officers will also be hitting the ground to get a more accurate assessment of damage.
The fires have destroyed at least one home and 14 cabins in the La Ronge area.
So far this year there have been 352 fires in Saskatchewan, about twice last year’s pace.