UPDATE: Officials now say if the conditions hold, Stanley Mission residents will be able to join the convoy and go home tonight. That is only IF conditions hold into this evening.
Local emergency officials are hoping to enable an escorted convoy northwards for permanent residents – and only residents – of these communities: Missinipe/Otter Rapids, Brabant, Southend and The Athabasca Basin
The evacuation order has NOT been lifted for the La Ronge area.
These communities were not previously evacuated.
It will NOT include residents of Stanley Mission, because Highway 915 to that community is currently closed due to a different fire threat.
Several residents of these areas were stranded down south when Highway 102 closed due to the Egg and Eli fires, and the goal is to return them to their safe home areas, and relieve pressure on southern services.
However, those people with chronic health issues, including difficulty in smoke, should not return yet.
A lot depends on fire circumstances, which can change hourly.
However, the plan as of Friday night is for vehicles to gather at the police blockade on Highway 2 approximately 10 km south of Air Ronge by 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 11.
It will close at 6:30 p.m. Late arrivals will be turned away.
Please bring identification; police will check each person. Absolutely all tourists, distant business owners and visitors will be turned away.
An escort will lead the convoy through the communities of Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Air Ronge and Town La Ronge; side streets will be blocked off, as no detours will be allowed except to stop for fuel.
Security will monitor constantly to ensure no individual leaves the convoy.
The convoy will move northwards on Highway 102.
Officials will monitor fire behavior along that corridor, and might stop or reverse the convoy at any time, depending on the risk. If the convoy must turn around, motorists will have to return south of the evacuation barricade, and thus likely need to return to Prince Albert. They must obey all traffic direction.
Officials plan for the escort to stop on the north side of Sucker River, allowing vehicles to proceed on their own, but again, this depends on fire assessment at that moment.
Residents should bring supplies with them, as Highway 102 remains closed to general traffic, and they will not be allowed south again. Motorists should be prepared for delays.
They should also monitor the Town’s facebook page and listen to MBC radio for further updates; expect an update at 2 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.
They can also call 1-306-425-4322 for a voice recording of the latest information en route.