Following the containment of massive surrounding wildfires, many Saskatchewan villages withdrew their evacuation orders on Sunday. In Saskatchewan, Canada, there were three major wildfires burning in the region that caught the attention of the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA). The fires were identified as Local, Saulteaux, and Rocky, and the SPSA was closely monitoring them to ensure the safety of residents and contain the spread of the fires.
Unfortunately, the fires posed a serious threat to nearby communities, and residents of La Loche and Saulteaux First Nation were forced to evacuate their homes. They sought refuge in nearby cities such as Regina, Prince Albert, and Lloydminster, among others.
The situation was alarming and the authorities were working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the evacuees, provide them with shelter, food, and other basic necessities. Many residents had to leave behind their homes, possessions, and memories, uncertain of when they would be able to return.
According to a report released by the SPSA intelligence and situational awareness section at 11 a.m. Sunday, each fire was designated as controlled and no longer of note. As a consequence, localities are removing their evacuation orders.
Saulteaux First Nation, located around 155 kilometers northwest of Saskatoon, was evacuated with over 100 individuals. During the firefighting, the federal authorities issued a “do not consume” water advise, stopping water treatment plant operations to ensure that firemen had access to water reservoirs.
Following a meeting with emergency services on Sunday morning, the Northern Village of La Loche lifted its status of local emergency. According to Sunday’s SPSA update, the local wildfire had increased to 266 hectares and was burning north of La Loche and south of Clearwater River Dene Nation.
Many inhabitants from both areas were displaced after each issued evacuation orders earlier this week. According to a Facebook post from the community, the evacuation order for La Loche inhabitants has been withdrawn, and the village’s state of local emergency has been terminated. Evacuees in Regina are slated to board a bus Sunday evening and return home Monday morning.
