(Photo of the Stanley Mission wildfire. Courtesy of Megan Cook, Facebook.)
Residents of Stanley Mission are on their way to Saskatoon for the foreseeable future as a wildfire southwest of that northern community has forced the evacuation.
The MCCAFE fire which is estimated at 6200 hectares, as of June 9, is now posing a significant threat.
The evacuation order was issued Thursday night.
“The fire was crossing the road at the same time coming into the community. But thank God that the winds shifted away from the community last night. So we declared a state of emergency and to do a general evacuation for the community because the fire is a direct threat to the community,” said Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson.
(Photo of Stanley Mission wildfire. Courtesy of Megan Cook, Facebook)
Residents registered this morning for the evacuation, with busses first arriving at 9 A.M. Private vehicles are also being utilized. Citizens are asked to pack enough belongings for five-days.
“It was very scary last night, with the fires coming in. It was coming in really fast You could just see the fire and the flame,” said Cook-Searson. “But thank God that the winds shifted away from the community last night.”
(Photo of Stanley Mission wildfire. Courtesy of LLRIB Emergency Response, Facebook)
Provincial officials said several Type 1, 2 and three ground crew members, heavy equipment, including helicopters and air tankers are attacking the blaze. Cook-Searson estimates 75-80 forest firefighters are on the scene. Additional local firefighters have been dispatched to assist. “The fire moved in very fast and furious last night. And it was burning totally out of control. And we were very scared for the community safety and we always want to make sure that the community members are safe and the firefighters are safe,” she said.
Rain is in the forecast for toady, Saturday and much of next week, as cooler temperatures are expected to move in.”