Local authorities are now putting in place the final concrete steps towards bringing people home, now that the immediate fire threat is contained near La Ronge, Air Ronge and Lac La Ronge Indian Band.
Following their meeting at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, local authorities believe they will be able to lift the mandatory evacuation order within 24-48 hours. They will meet again Friday morning to reassess the timing.
The mandatory evacuation order will stay in effect until required services are in place. This includes medical services at the La Ronge Health Centre for a population of no less than 7,000.
A basic emergency room will be set up first. The initial services will focus on emergency medical needs, and will not be able to respond to chronic health concerns until staff is in place.
It will take 24-48 hours to bring back more staff and set up a full slate of medical services, including a x-ray, and the clinic. Natural gas is necessary for the health centre’s operations. Repressurizing the gas lines is a methodical process, and SaskEnergy has assigned extra staff to that task.
As well, other public services must be alerted so that they can be available, including those from the federal, provincial and local governments. And finally, basic business services must available to provide food and fuel to returning residents. Returning residents are advised to bring some supplies with them.
Given that smoky conditions still exist, the general evacuation order will remain in place for people with chronic illnesses, children 2 years old and younger, and pregnant women.
As of 2 pm July 16, mandatory evacuation orders are still in place for all residents of the subdivisions of Eagle Point, Nemeiben Lake, Lamp Lake, English Bay, Wadin Bay, and the communities of Sucker River and Hall Lake. Fire threats continue to be assessed for these locations.
Posted on behalf of the Emergency Operations Centre for the Town La Ronge, Village of Air Ronge, and Lac La Ronge Indian Band.