(Submitted photo/Madison Whitly).

By Aaron Schulze

Wildfire Alert

R.M. of Torch River residents told to prepare for potential evacuation during wildfire

May 17, 2020 | 1:38 PM

Two wildfire emergency advisory alerts are being issued by the R.M. of Torch River and R.M. of Garden River, as there is potential for a wildfire to cause emergency situations to the public. The fire is now 15,000 hectares big, as of Saturday afternoon.

Winds in the area are reaching 50 km/h. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) said that’s made fighting the fires challenging. People are being asked to avoid the area.

The SPSA has been in contact with both Torch River and Garden River, as well as the James Smith Cree Nation and the village of Smeaton to advise them through the fire.

Advisory Alert was issued for the R.M. of Garden River. Sask Alerts

“None of the communities in the area have asked for further assistance at this time or require evacuation support,” the SPSA said in an emailed statement.

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The wildfire is currently burning along the northwest edge of the R.M. of Torch River, from Range Road 2185 west to range road #2220. There’s potential for heavy smoke in the communities of Smeaton, Snowden, and Shipman.

An advisory alert has been issued for the R.M. of Torch River. Sask Alerts

Residents of the R.M. of Torch River are to prepare and be ready to take action should an evacuation be required. The public is being asked to avoid travel in the area, follow directions of local authorities, and take all necessary precautions such as closing windows, doors and vents.

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aaron.schulze@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @SchulzePANow