The Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation has sent out a community advisory on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at 8:47a.m. stating that community members of Southend are on full evacuation order due to wildfire threat.

As stated in the advisory, the wildfire is located approximately one kilometer south of the Saskatchewan Highway’s camp near the community of Southend. The fire is currently approximately one kilometer wide and has spread quickly due to strong winds. The highway is temporarily open for one-way traffic out of Southend only. Entry into Southend is restricted to essential services only.

All community members are on full evacuation and are asked to follow the evacuation instructions carefully.

Evacuation information (Southend members)

  1. Registration is required for any support services: All evacuee from Southend must register using the QR code provided by the Red Cross. It is highly recommended that you register before you leave Southend.
  2. Priority evacuation for P1’s and P2’s:
    • P1’s and P2’s (Elders and individuals with high needs)
      • Please proceed immediately to the Health Centre to register
      • If you are a P1 or P2 evacuating in your own vehicle, fuel vouchers are being issued at the Arthur Morin Memorial Health Centre and you can gas up at Bird’s Confectionary
      • Please drive to La Ronge Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre (JRMCC). There you will receive lunch and further information on where to go next and receive any available resources (fuel).
  3. General Evacuation Registration:
    • All other residents are required to go to the Band Hall in Southend, where you can register using the QR code provided by the Red Cross.
    • If you are evacuating in a private vehicle, you can obtain a fuel voucher at the Band Office and gas up at Bird’s Confectionary.
    • Please drive to La Ronge Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre (JRMCC). There you will receive lunch and further information on where to go next and receive any available resources (fuel).
          • Pack the essential items including:
            • seasonal change of clothes
            • personal hygiene products: tooth brush/paste, feminine products, deodorant
            • medications
            • house keys
            • copies of important documents(medical/vaccination records) and insurance policies
            • personal identification: status card, health card, birth certificate
            • canes, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meter, glasses, hearing aids, dentures and extra batteries
            • parents of small children are asked to bring extra diapers and baby formula
        1. Transportation and shelter:
          • Arrangements are being made with the Canadian Red Cross for transportation and temporary shelter.
          • Please follow the directions of emergency services and volunteers at the registration point in La Ronge
        2. Stay informed:

Note: If you choose to stay in Southend despite the evacuation order, you must go to the band office and sign a waiver indicating your decision to refuse evacuation.