Thousands head home in fire-ravaged Saskatchewan
Evacuation orders lifted for several areas
SASKATOON — Three weeks after they fled encroaching flames and choking smoke, many evacuees are going home to seven northern Saskatchewan communities.
Local officials relaxed and lifted evacuation orders in La Loche, Montreal Lake, Weyakwin, Timber Bay, Ramsey Bay, Dillon, Michel Village and St. George’s Hill. La Ronge evacuees may be able to head home within a day or two.
“Awesome. I can’t wait,” said Carline Halkett, who hails from Timber Bay.
After spending eight days in a temporary shelter in a Saskatoon soccer centre, the 15-yearold was about to board a school bus for the 2½-hour trip home.
Three weeks ago, Halkett got stuck in Hall Lake while visiting her cousin. When Hall Lake was evacuated, she ended up in Saskatoon. Halkett hasn’t been home for nearly a month, and hopes someone has been feeding her four cats.
“I’m worried about all the trees being burnt. I have hope that everything’s OK,” she said.
The First Nation has cleared all 2,700 residents to return to Montreal Lake. Most of the 2,600 people who call La Loche home are also welcome back. People in vulnerable health, such as the very young and the elderly, will stay put until the air quality improves, says Karri Kempf, manager of information and emergency services with the provincial government.
Approximately 7,000 people displaced from the La Ronge area could be allowed back home within 24 to 48 hours, according to social media updates posted by La Ronge Mayor Thomas Sierzycki and Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson Thursday afternoon.
As of Thursday, just shy of 10,000 people forced out of their homes were getting help from the provincial government, Kempf said. That num- ber should hopefully drop significantly in the next day, she said.
Cooler, wetter weather has been pivotal for firefighters, said Daryl Jessop, the environment ministry’s director of wildfire support.
The break has allowed crews to change tactics from a defensive one — standing at the edge of communities holding the fire back — to a more offensive approach that aims to extinguish blazes from several angles. The smoke has also began to dissipate, which allowed all available water bombers and helicopters to attack from the air.
Jessop cautioned there are still 127 active fires in the province, and structures and roads are still at risk. Wildfires have destroyed 99 structures so far this season. During the past few weeks, the provincial government has bused evacuees to temporary shelters and hotels in North Battleford, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Regina, and Cold Lake, Alta.
Kempf said some anxious people are heading home too early, before workers say communities are ready for them.