Promise of rain over the weekend offers some wildfire relief to Sask.
Weather could aid suppression efforts while northern evacuations still in effect
A weekend rain forecast could bring some relief for La Ronge residents living near wildfires.
The forecast comes as Highway 102 is closed and several network and power disruptions affect the communities north of La Ronge, according to Lac La Ronge Indian Band's Emergency Response team. LLRIB has busses on standby in case its communities are forced to evacuate.
Local fire teams jokingly call the forecasted rain “Tanker 1” said LLRIB Chief Tammy Cook-searson. She was also pleased to see more locals hired to support fire efforts, she added.
“We're waiting for Tanker 1 to roll in.”
Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency vice-president of operations Steve Roberts said the rain likely won't end the nearby fires, but it could offer a brief reprieve to ramp-up efforts and “to take advantage of any break in conditions.”
The fires aren't direct threats to local communities, but a blaze near Grandmother's Bay does present a risk, he said.
Power and network connections had been restored to Grandmother's Bay as of Friday morning, Cook-searson said. About 144 residents of the community have already left due to smoke concerns, she said.
Local firefighters have also told residents of Rabbit Creek, which is south of La Ronge, to evacuate, she said.
On Thursday evening, the SPSA advised against any travel north of Candle Lake due to a wildfire burning near La Ronge.
As some residents hope for rain, wildfires have pushed people out of other communities. The SPSA ordered an evacuation of Whelan Bay, which is north of Candle Lake, after a fast-growing fire emerged nearby on Thursday.
It started within five kilometres of the community, but has moved north and away from there, Roberts said. It stretches over about 195 hectares.
About eight residents of the community are sheltering in Prince Albert, according to Joan Hrycyk, the SPSA'S director of emergency and crisis support.
Northwest communities — like St. George's Hill, Michel Village, and Buffalo River Dene Nation, including Dillion — evacuated to North Battleford and Lloydminster earlier this week. That fire has grown to 23,290 hectares as of Friday morning, Roberts said.
In the northeast, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation's community of
Southend has also been evacuated to Prince Albert and Saskatoon.
Roberts said Narrow Hills Provincial Park is on standby, in case an evacuation is needed.
The Northwest Territories has meanwhile loaned an aircraft to boost Saskatchewan's fire efforts.
As of Friday afternoon, there were 139 active fires, Roberts said. Fire crews are suppressing 31 of those, but the blazes are expected to grow. Efforts on 24 other fires are focused on protecting property and infrastructure.
SMOKE AFFECTS SOUTHERN AIR QUALITY
The Saskatchewan Health Authority is advising the public to take precautions as temperatures rise and wildfire smoke blows south.
Children, seniors and people with heart or lung diseases are potentially at risk from smoke in some areas, the SHA said. If an area is affected by smoke, the SHA advises residents to stay inside and keep their doors and windows closed.
Roberts suggested wearing outdoor masks, like those used for COVID -19, until the air clears.
“As the system passes over (in the next 24 hours) and the winds change it should eventually clear up,” he said.
As the system passes over (in the next 24 hours) and the winds change it should eventually clear up.