Here is the latest update from the La Ronge Emergency Operations Centre:
Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for the town of La Ronge, Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Village of Air Ronge and community of Pinehouse.
There was not a lot of movement by the wildfire burning in the immediate La Ronge area July 9.
The east flank wildfire grew thicker in size but did not advance any closer to the La Ronge subdivision of Eagle Point.
The fire was burning up on a ridge as of this report and the location of the fire is proving to be challenging for crews to work on.
Crews continue to work to secure the west flank (behind La Ronge industrial park, Bigstone road and Big Rocks) which did not advance any closer to the community on Thursday.
A special spray truck has laid fire retardant down near the Eagle Point subdivision and Fleet Street in Air Ronge as well as near critical infrastructure (the SaskPower substation and sewage treatment plant) in the tri-community area.
CAT lines were established along the Lac La Ronge Indian Band’s Far Reserve and Bell’s Point areas as a precautionary measure to protect against possible wildfire growth or threats to these areas.
A CAT line was also established at Sucker River to assist with fire suppression in this area.
The Eli and Egg fires have joined together along highway 102 north of La Ronge.
SaskPower crews are working to replace damaged power poles and lines along highway 102.
This may result in temporary planned power outages for the communities serviced by this power line north of La Ronge.
Residents should not be surprised if they are without power during these repairs.
In La Ronge, the community is being monitored through constant patrols by the RCMP, La Ronge band security and local citizens on patrol to ensure the protection of property and safety.
Additional RCMP personnel have been placed in the area to assist with patrols.
Highway closures due to wildfire:
– Highway 165 West is closed from the junction of highway 2 west to the junction of highway 918 (English River First Nation junction).
– Access to the community of Pinehouse is not permitted, the road is closed.
– Highway 915 remains closed (Stanley Mission Road)
– Highway 165 East remains closed past the junction of highway 912 (the Wapaweka Road) to the junction of highway 106 (Hanson Lake road)