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New ‘Crysto Fire’ threatening more northern communities

Jun 28, 2015 | 1:44 PM

A new wildfire has become the priority of firefighters in the northern part of the province.

Steve Roberts, executive director of wildfire management for the Ministry of Environment, said the new “Crysto Fire” north of the hamlet of Weyakwin, has captured their attention in the last 24 hours.

“Based on its fire progression towards the town, we recommended a full evacuation of that community last (Saturday) night,” he said, speaking of Weyakwin. “As of this morning we have also upgraded that to include the Provincial Rec. Site of Weyakwin and the Ramsey Bay Subdivision.”

The Hamlet of Weyakwin actually sits on the highway, according to Roberts, which has drawn them to an obvious conclusion.

“If it reaches the one, it should directly impact the other,” he said. So, “This fire also poses as a concern around Highway 2 as a passage from Prince Albert to La Ronge,” Roberts said.

We will be working with highways to ensure traffic safety should that event happen.”

According to Roberts, there have been 505 wildfires so far this year, with 121 fires active in the province as of Sunday.  Of those fires 52 are greater than 1 square kilometre, which is about the size of downtown Saskatoon.

Currently, 512 people are fighting fires in the province of Saskatchewan. All firefighting resources are supporting this effort including 47 aircrafts, 16 air tankers, including one from Quebec, with another expected to arrive from Newfoundland today.

As of Sunday night, 40 specialized firefighters will be coming in from Ontario and they have asked for another 40 to follow up on Tuesday. They are also looking for an additional land-based tanker in Canada to add to the group. This is all along with contract helicopters, extra pumps, extra hose and other specialty equipment.

“This is a very large undertaking,” said Roberts. “There are lots of fires on the landscape and it is a result of our efforts to prioritize fires.”

“We will continue to move around; we will continue to address public safety and infrastructure as our primary responsibility… day to day, hour to hour.”

Weather not helping

Weather is expected to continue on with hot and dry conditions with no expected precipitation.

“The weather pattern we have right now also allows fires to move and grow throughout the evening,” said Roberts.

This is not considered typical, but because of the low humidity it’s been made possible. The Ministry has contracted resources to do infrared scanning at night to produce ‘very detailed’ fire tracking. Aircrafts and pilots, expected to arrive from Ontario sometime today, are certified to fly at night, in the dark.

“We will dispatch them as the evening approaches, have them fly over all fires and be able to correctly map them including showing us where those larger fires are hot, where the hot spots are, and that will allow us to direct our tactics for the next day,” said Roberts.

“That will ensure that we have the most current and timely information to make those decisions.”

Officials are continuing with the fire ban on all provincial crown forests North of Prince Albert. Smoke will also effect most regions north of the city, impacting air quality. People can check air quality conditions which will be updated frequently.

According to Roberts, fires in the La Ronge and north are being controlled. He’s confident that they are having success protecting Waden Bay, Sucker River and English Bay.

“We continue to require that those area remain on full evacuation in addition to the Nemeiben Lake subdivision and the provincial park, Lac La Ronge Provincial Park,” said Roberts.

Evacuees

Deanna Wysoskey, emergency social services coordinator with the Ministry of Social Services said new evacuees have been put in their care, specifically those from the communities of Clear Water, La Loche, Sucker River, Weyakwin and Timber Bay.

They are currently receiving people in three centers across the province. In North Battleford, approximately 90 people are staying in hotels. In Prince Albert and area 160 are in hotels, 90 are staying at Saskatchewan Polytech and about 40 are staying with family and friends. In Sakatoon, 290 are taking shelter at the Henk Ruys Soccer Centre, 15 in hotels and 12 with friends and family. In total, 697 evacuees are receiving Emergency Social Services support.

“The people that we have received in hotels and congregate facilities are going to start with some recreational activities being planned for them today,” said Wysoskey. This will include outings and other activities, giving those away from home something to do for the time being.

“We also expect that we will be receiving come more people throughout the day,” she said. “We were told that more people will be coming from Timber Bay so we’re getting ready for that.”

About 215 have left La Loche and the same amount has also left Montreal Bay and Timber Bay, mainly because of health priorities. People were evacuated last night, including some elderly people and young children, and those with asthma and respiratory conditions.

Other facilities can be utilities if the three cities now available reach capacity, according to Wysoskey.

Prince Albert is getting close to reaching capacity, she said, but there is still room in Saskatoon.

Highways

Joel Cherry, senior communications with the ministry of Highways says for now Highway 2 and 102 are open. They are expecting lots of smoke and are prepared to close and set up detours, which would turn traffic to Highway 969, which runs roughly parallel to Highway 2. At this time, Highway 916, a low traffic road north of Waskesiu, is closed with fire on both sides.

“Generally speaking we’re still keeping an eye on all the roads in the area,” said Cherry, speaking of the La Ronge lake lands. “Conditions are such that we’re not recommending non-essential travel there.”

Speaking about travel, Cherry said most recreational types may have to be revised.

“You should postpone any non-urgent travel and if you have to travel, check the Highway Hotline to get the latest updates.”

The “Crysto Fire”, burning adjacent to Highway 2 means smoke and reduced visibility. Cherry urges everyone to remember to drive with caution and slow down if they must travel.

asoloducha@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alex_soloducha