Forest fires in northern Saskatchewan that have blanketed Flin Flon and surrounding areas with smoke all week continue to threaten several communities.
As of Monday morning, crews were battling 112 active fires, nine of which were new fires started in the previous 24 hours. In a phone press conference with media personnel from across Saskatchewan and into Manitoba, government officials gave an update on conditions.
“The situation remains very critical,” said Colin King with the Department of Community Emergency Management and Fire Safety. “There are many communities still threatened.”
Scott Wasylenchuk, provincial fire centre manager with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, reported that a fire had reached within three kilometres of La Ronge, forcing the evacuation of the communities of La Ronge, Lac La Ronge Indian Band and Air Ronge over the weekend.
As of Monday morning there were 540 active firefighters battling the blaze that, with dry weather and limited rain, continues to burn.
“We have advised all people in the area to vacate. We encouraged everyone to get out of the area,” Wasylenchuk said.
King also explained that communities that have been evacuated are not yet safe to return to.
Some relief was received when the fire reached a site that had been burned in recent years. The natural barrier slowed the burn, allowing firefighters to make progress. In addition, news of a southerly wind made officials optimistic.
“With the southern wind we are expecting some clearing and some relief from the heat.
This will give us an opportunity to get on the fires. We haven’t been able to make progress in some areas because the fire has been so hot,” said Wasylenchuk.
When asked if the community of La Ronge itself was in danger, Wasylenchuk replied,The community of Flin Flon is not in immediate danger from the fires burning in Northern Saskatchewan, according to local Fire Chief Jim Petrie.
“Right now we will do everything in our power to prevent it from reaching the community.”
Firefighting crews from Saskatoon, RM of Buckland, Warman, Prince Albert, Nipawin and Muskaday First Nation have joined local firefighters in battling the blaze.
“These generous offers are very much appreciated,” Wasylenchuk said.
In addition, 1,000 military personnel were expected to arrive within the next 24 hours, including troops from Edmonton, Alberta and Shilo, Manitoba. The military “is also canvassing reservists from Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba,” said Wasylenchuk, explaining that the number could increase.
Of the military personnel, 600 of those will be trained as forest firefighters and were expected to be fighting the blazes by today. Additional personnel will be supporting the efforts driving trucks and looking after the logistics of fire crews including being sure people are fed and cared for.
As of Monday, social services reported that 7,059 evacuees were registered and actively receiving assistance. Donations are
not being requested at this time.
“There are a number of people who are staying in the communities to maintain critical infrastructure,” reported King.
He explained that these people are in direct contact with fire crews and are ensuring there is no vandalism or threat of any kind to these communities. He said the vast majority of the communities are also looking after the animals that were left behind.
Merv Titte with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health reported that cots and blankets have been set up in La Ronge for firefighting crews. Health care personnel are also on hand at the shelters, providing onsite health care services to the evacuees. A clinic at Air Ronge is being staffed by doctors and nurses to care for firefighters. Acute care and long term care patients have been evacuated from La Ronge to facilities in Prince Albert and Saskatoon.
A number of highways in the area have been closed. Senior consultant Joel Cherry with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways said all non-essential travel is being discouraged owing to heavy smoke and poor visibility.
The public is reminded to check the highway hotline for the most up-to-date information.
Evacuations
Reported by the Manager of Emergency Services
Total evacuees: 7,059
679 in Cold Lake, Alberta
1,030 in Regina
2,332 in Saskatoon
2,602 in Prince Albert
323 in North Battleford
There are also a number of evacuees who have sought shelter with friends and family in safe communities not counted in these numbers.“Whenever a community that close has a fire and has evacuated more than 7,000 people, there is always a concern,” he said. “But we are not in immediate danger from the fire.”
Flin Flon not threatened by Saskatchewan fires
The current danger to the community comes in the form of the thick smoke that is blowing in. Petrie reminds people with breathing problems to remain indoors or take a vacation away from the area.
Petrie said that local personnel continue to monitor the situation in Saskatchewan and he encourages residents to do the same.
“Stay informed of what is happening, and if you are in danger get out,” he said.
Extremely dry conditions in the local area have forced officials to implement a complete fire ban in the park area, according to Petrie. Residents are also being reminded to be cautious.
“People should keep quads out of the bush,” said Petrie.
He reported that hot exhaust pipes can start fires as can bits of dried grass that get stuck near the engine.
“These can drop off and start a fire without the driver even
knowing,” he said.
Careless smoking is also a fire hazard.
“It’s a lovely time of year to be outside, but it’s also a lovely time of year for fires to start,” he said.
The proximity of the forest to homes in the community of Flin Flon puts residents at risk, Petrie said. He reminds people to always have working smoke detectors installed and encourages people to check their detectors and change batteries regularly.
The fire chief also said that people with pumps and sprinklers can put them on top of their houses and turn them on prior to evacuating should the need arise.
Petrie explained that large forest fires create their own wind and can burn a home in seconds.
“They will blow out the windows and start a fire on the inside of the house,” he said.
While the local community is not in immediate danger, Petrie again reminds people to be cautious and remain informed.
