Wildfires Creep Close To Northern Mine Sites

Wildfires Creep Close To Northern Mine Sites

Thursday, August 05, 2010 at 13:42

Two mining companies are keeping a close watch on some wildfires in the province’s north.

Both Cameco and AREVA say they are keeping in regular contact with Saskatchewan Environment due to the proximity of the blazes to the Rabbit Lake and McClean Lake uranium operations.

Cameco spokesman Murray Lyons says the Park Fire crept within 2.5 km of the Eagle Point mine last weekend, prompting the company to pull out workers from the mine because of smoke.

He says the smoke has thinned since then and personnel are back on the job.

Lyons adds they are watching the roads to make sure they’re not cut off at any point.

He adds workers will be evacuated if there is any serious danger.

Saskatchewan Environment spokesman Kim Connors says they’ve burned out an area between the mines and the fire to establish a fire break — adding the situation isn’t a major concern right now.