By Alex Soloducha

Firefighters evacuated from Montreal Lake as wind gusts intensify fires

Jul 4, 2015 | 11:16 AM

There’s no question that firefighters have been dedicated to fighting northern wildfires this month, but on Friday night they came too close for comfort.

The wind picked up unexpectedly, which spread existing fires and created sub fires and spot fires surrounding Montreal Lake and area, according to John, who was fighting fires in the area.

Their crew was transported to different locations at Mile 11, the community of Montreal Lake itself and the Bittern Road area.

“From there, we started getting flare-ups and the wind picked up and the heat got hotter and hotter,” said John. “Next thing, the fires were jumping.”

“We were called to go back to the community of Montreal Lake and when we got there, it got worse, the fires, and there were some houses that were burnt.”

Riderville

Riders Have Options Heading into Tuesday CFL Draft

1h ago

Weekend hockey

PAGC set to host largest Senator's Cup tournament to date

2h ago

VAISAKHI MELA

Hundreds flocking to P.A. for Vaisakhi Mela celebration

2h ago

They prepared to attack the fires, but their plans were soon cut short.

“When we were going into action, going onto the [front] line, all of a sudden we were called to evac immediately because the wind got stronger, trees were falling, fires were just flaring up,” he said. “There was only so much we could do, we couldn’t be able to save the houses that were burnt.”

“All the personnel, the fire crews and whoever stayed behind were told to zip out as soon as possible.”

John’s crew was evacuated to Prince Albert in the evening. They arrived at the Senator Allen Bird Memorial Centre around 10:30 p.m. and had to tent outside the gymnasium.

According to John, some people stayed at the school and some were able to stay with family for the night. Some crews didn’t arrive until midnight or later, and some were evacuated up north to La Ronge instead.

Organizers estimate there were at least 40 fire fighters who evacuated to the PAGC Friday night.

After a few hours of sleep, firefighters that stayed the night in Prince Albert were transported to the PA INN to refuel with some breakfast before heading out to the front lines again.

“We don’t know what the conditions are right now and the smoke is too heavy, even for the aircrafts to be out there and do bombing,” said John. “They won’t be able to see anything, the visibility is so bad.”

Some crews have already headed back, and some are unsure of where they will be sent to.

“I do believe they took two crews back to Montreal Lake and right now we’re waiting for our transportation,” said John. “I think they’re going to take us either to Montreal Lake or the Weyakwin fire base.”

It’s safe to say fire crews are putting a lot on the line in order to protect residents and property.

“It’s scary,” said John. “There were actually a couple of people that got hurt.”

“Luckily, there weren’t any very serious injuries so everybody’s safe, that’s the main thing, we want everybody to be safe.”

paNOW will have updates on the Montreal Lake area throughout the day. 

asoloducha@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alex_soloducha