Local emergency officials are hoping to enable an escorted convoy northwards for permanent residents – and only residents – of these communities: Missinipe, Otter Rapids, Grandmother’s Bay, Stanley Mission, Brabant, Southend and The Athabasca Basin.
These communities were not previously evacuated.
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.
The evacuation order has NOT been lifted for the La Ronge area, Sucker River and Hall Lake.Residents of these Communities wuill not be allowed to proceed with the escorted convoy.
Stanley Mission residents that are not evacuated due to smoke conditions can proceed north for the convoy service at 5:00p.m. -6:30p.m.
The General Evacuation order for Grandmother’s Bay has also been lifted but not for people effected by smoke.
People that used their private vehicles to leave Grandmother’s Bay can go to the Red Cross shelter for a gas voucher.
People who require bus transportation home need to contact the Red Cross and identify yourself so that Red Cross can get a list of people who require transportation home.
Buses will be leaving Sunday(tomorrow).
For information please call Red Cross 1-888-953-3463.
The plan for the convoy 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.