Fire experts say the immediate threat still exists to the communities of Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Air Ronge, and La Ronge.
And that means that the evacuation order remains in place.
Today’s weather brought sun and clear skies for flying, but it also brought the relative humidity down below the temperature. Firefighters call that condition “crossover”, and it means that fires become much more aggressive. Hot spots north and east of La Ronge were flaring up, highlighting the current risk.
North, near Grandmother’s Bay and Missinipe, thunderstorms brought rain, but also 7 lightning strikes, 3 of which started new fires. However, Wildfire Management was watching the storm closely, and immediately quenched the new starts before they grew.
Back at La Ronge, ground crews were repositioning sprinkler systems to contain flares near Eagle Point, and to secure the line now trying to creep south between the Egg and Bigstone Lakes. Crews were dropped in by helicopter on that line, as the ground is too boggy for bulldozers or trucks.
Firefighting equipment was also pulled from areas now more secure, such as Nemeiben Lake, to protect properties at Hunter’s Bay to the east, which now has the Carey fire at water’s edge.
One piece of good news is that the Lynx fire is being held about 300 metres away from Highway 102, so that road is open to general traffic. However, all traffic still needs to be escorted through the evacuated communities, from Lac La Ronge Indian Band up to Sucker River.
Evacuees returning to more northerly communities are reminded that smoke conditions can still be poor, so people with chronic illness or infants should avoid returning yet.
For more information, monitor MBC radio, and the social media sites of local leadership.
Posted on behalf of the Emergency Operations Centre for the Town La Ronge, Village of Air Ronge, and Lac La Ronge Indian Band.