Future unclear for wildfire evacuees from Pelican Narrows

However, before getting back on the bus, they must first fill out a registration form and will have the opportunity to fuel up with a sandwich, snacks and either juice, coffee or water. Sheila Bear, who came with her niece, said she did not want to leave.

“I am worried about my stuff [at home] and the house,” she said, adding she takes some comfort knowing her brothers are there to help look after it.

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Roland McCallum and his wife have been through this before but explained it doesn’t get easier.

“Yeah it was pretty bad for us and bringing all our grandkids here,” he said.

Roland said speaking with a band councillor he was told conditions back home remain very smoky and there is a real concern what may happen if the wind shifts.

According to Monday’s update from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), the fire northeast of Pelican Narrows is 600 hectares in size.

Crews are working to contain the southern flank and reinforce the line between the community and the fire.

In total, there’s 19 active wildfires in the province and nine are not contained.

A view of the smoke at Pelican Narrows. (Facebook/Sarah Swan)

More from SPSA’s latest update

The Shoe fire burning near Lower Fishing Lake is 30,000 hectares in size and overnight grew over 5,000 hectares in size.

Evacuations include Lower Fishing Lake, Piprell Lake, East Trout Lake, and Little Bear Lake. There is a pre-evacuation alert for Whiteswan/Whelan Bay.

Shelly Lawrence is the co-owner of the Rainbow Lodge at Piprell Lake and noting damage to a storage compound, and the loss of one campground, said that it will likely be a long and costly fight.

“I think it could take the whole entire summer due to no rain, no moisture and these winds,” she said.

Both Narrow Hills Provincial Park and the East Trout-Nipekamew Lakes Recreation Site remain closed. A number of cabins and trailers in the area are lost and highways are closed.

The Camp fire north of Snowden is now 50,000 in size. It grew 6,000 hectares overnight fuelled by high winds.

Lower Fishing Lake was evacuated and the SPSA says values have been lost. Highway 106 is closed going north of Smeaton and up to the 120 junction.

The Jaysmith fire north of Missinipe is 3,387 hectares. Brabant Lake was evacuated.

The Pisew fire west of La Ronge is 15,000 hectares in size. Hall Lake was evacuated and the fire crossed Highway 165. Highways in the area are closed.

The Wolf Fire west of Denare Beach led to evacuation of McIlveena Mine Site last week. It is now 6,385 hectares.

Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority (NITHA) public health officials are advising residents in north central and north east to take precautions as smoke from forest fires are spreading across the area resulting in poor air quality.

Smoke concentrations will vary widely as winds, fire behaviour and temperatures change.

Children, seniors, and those with heart or lung diseases, such as asthma, are potentially at risk.

“Smoke can cause increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches and shortness of breath” said Dr. Nnamdi Ndubuka, Medical Health Officer for NITHA. “Monitor your symptoms and seek medical attention if you get worse, particularly if you have a pre-existing respiratory condition.”

Environment Canada has issued special air quality statement for parts of northern Sask.

—

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social

— with files from 650 CKOM

by Nigel Maxwell

Future unclear for wildfire evacuees from Pelican Narrows

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