UPDATES – Statements from Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson as of 12:13 pm on Monday, June 8th:
Based on information from Wildfire Management, the fire near the community of Sucker River, “Sucker Fire,” is not an immediate threat to the community. However, please be on stand by. Due to heavy smoke in the area a evacuation notice is being issued to Elders, those with chronic respiratory illnesses, expectant mothers and children under two years old. Please go to the Sucker River band office to register. For information please contact Councillor Larry McKenzie 306-425-4113 or 306-420-9063
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There is no direct risk of fire to the community of Stanley Mission however, due to heavy smoke in the area an evacuation notice is being issued to Elders, those with chronic respiratory illnesses, expectant mothers and children under two years old. Please go to the Stanley Mission band hall to register. For information please contact Gord Hardlotte or James Crawford at 306-635-2115.
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Based on information from Wildfire Management, the community of Hall Lake is not in immediate threat to the fires at this time. The “Egg” fire in Sikichew Lake and Clam Lake Bridge is still burning out of control and we are sorry to report one family has lost their home and shed in Sikichew Lake due to the wildfire. Family has been notified. For more information, please call the Hall Lake band office at 306-425-4797.
UPDATE – Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson has been told by Wildfire Management that the Sucker Fire in the Nemeiben Lake area is not a threat to the community of Sucker River this evening or overnight.
**UPDATE – Statement from Saskatchewan Environment: “The La Ronge area is experiencing increasingly serious wildfires today, resulting in several evacuations and very thick smoke in many areas. The Ministry of Environment continues to work on fires throughout the area, but has encountered challenges due to the volume of fires and the amount of smoke present. Official evacuations have occurred in Sikachu and Clam Crossing, but any individuals north of La Ronge that are concerned about smoke or fire are encouraged to relocate to a safer area. In addition to the communities already affected, fires are moving southeasterly towards Sucker River. Fires and smoke are affecting the outlying areas near La Ronge, but the town of La Ronge is not currently at risk. Also, private aircraft are reminded to avoid flying in or around any of the fire areas. This may disrupt fire suppression efforts.”
** URGENT UPDATE – Wildfire Management has advised the chief of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band that the community of Sucker River be put on standby in case of a general evacuation order, due to the threat of a wildfire. Community members are asked to be ready in case of a general evacuation. Meanwhile, Chief Tammy Cook-Searson says the band has received confirmation from Wildfire Management that structures were lost in Sikichew Lake. She says Wildfire Management can’t provide further details because the fire there is “extremely intense”.
** FURTHER URGENT UPDATE – Community members in Stanley Mission have been put on standby in case elders, high-risk chronic clients, expecting mothers and young children have to be evacuated because of heavy smoke.
Heavy smoke from forest fires in the La Ronge areas has prompted the town, the village of Air Ronge and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band to initatiate a voluntary evacuation of the communities.
Those with chronic respiratory illnesses, expectant mothers and children under the age of two are being advised to go to the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre before 8:00 this evening in order to be transported south.
Fire and health professionals have stated that the air conditions are not expected to improve within the next few days, and the smoke will be heaviest in the late evening.
Wildfire Management continues to say the fires do not pose a risk to the communties themselves.
Lightning storms yesterday have resulted in 25 forest fires burning in the La Ronge area.
Today’s voluntary evacuation also includes the reserve community of Sucker River.
Yesterday, the Lac La Ronge Indian Band communities of Sikichew and Clam Lake Bridge were mandatorily evacuated due to fire risk. Individuals with critical health concerns in the community of Hall Lake were also evacuated due to poor air conditions.