July 8, 2015 8:00 p.m. La Ronge Emergency Operations Centre.
Today’s work on the fire lines north of La Ronge went better than the weather forecast suggested it would, with the fire lines not getting much closer to the town.
However, the Egg fire was still active on both NW and NE fronts, and tomorrow’s forecast is for warmer, drier weather.
Fire officials are saying they are still in for a long battle, and the communities of Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Village of Air Ronge and Town of La Ronge will remain evacuated by local order.
With lighter smoke conditions, fixed-wing aircraft joined helicopters in the air to drop water and retardant.
On the northwest side, the fire moved down as far as the shore on Bigstone Lake, but stayed generally along one bulldozer line about 4 km from the community.
A backburn last night on the line also helped stem movement. Waterbombers today were soaking south that arm, to combat any movement around the lake.
On the northeast flank, the fire remained about 2 km from Eagle Point subdivision, but moved sideways in several fingers east to the shore of Lac La Ronge.
Ground crews continue to man sprinkler systems and additional bulldozer lines along northern residential fringes.
Although the forecast is for warmer weather tomorrow, southwest winds are predicted, which will help at La Ronge.
Still, with so many fires going across northern Saskatchewan, good winds for one community are not good for another.
The Eli fire is at the south end of the community of Sucker River, and a bulldozer line is being built there.
Yet, a crew from Sucker River was instrumental in supporting the dogged effort to maintain the community of Wadin Bay.
Highway 915 is closed as Lynx fire crossed the road, though it is not an immediate threat to Stanley Mission.
Further north, the Brian fire has crossed Highway 102, and more fire is still burning near Highway 165 West.
Evacuations of residents and stranded tourists continue from communities further north, with escorts through fire zones where needed.
Highway 102 north of La Ronge is still closed to general traffic.
For more information, monitor MBC radio, Town La Ronge website, and the social media sites of local leadership including https://www.facebook.com/town.laronge or https://www.facebook.com/TammyCookSearson