La Ronge mayor discusses disaster planning after evacuation

He said a few factors contributed to the success they had.

“The three communities worked very well together and that was really what came down as the important factor,” Sierzycki explained.

They want to focus on reviewing local response measures so that they can get better for next time, Sierzycki said.

“Hopefully it won’t be anytime soon but it’s definitely important to have those in place.”

For weeks, Wildfire Management was briefing northern leadership on the current fire threat. On July 3, the day before they evacuated the three communities, the winds picked up along with fire activity. The next day, fires were within 8 km of the town and threatened the airport.

“We’re lucky we did pull the trigger on the evacuation when we did with the information that we had. It was a difficult decision but it turned out to be the good decision,” said Sierzycki.

After the Mallard Fire of 1999 in the area, planning went in to the EMO plan, with a large focus on fires.

“That plan actually really helped us out,” Sierzycki said.

Some loopholes they found include lack of attention to prescriptions and pharmacy services which was unique to this year due to the duration of the evacuation.

One of the toughest aspects of the situation the town now has to face is the economic ramifications of abandoning business. Sierzycki said local small and larger business all had to close when people were forced to leave the community.

“It’s a significant burden,” said Sierzycki.

He said they’re going to look into rallying higher forms of government to help out families in the area.

Despite questioning and critique, Sierzycki said their goal was to protect residents and protect the community, something which he said they achieved. When people comment on them not having enough firefighters he disagrees, and said that wasn’t one of the reasons the fires took hold.

“There were days that the planes couldn’t fly,” Sierzycki said. “No amount of resources is going to change that because of the smoke conditions.”

In the end, they had the resources they needed in terms of people and equipment, he said.

Throughout the fire threat, being active on social media was something both Sierzycki and LLRIB Chief Tammy Cook-Searson made use of.

“I knew in disaster situations people look to Facebook, look to Twitter, at least look for their leadership giving them some insight,” said Sierzycki. “All I did was try to pass on as much information as I could and also highlight some of the good things that were going on in a very difficult and trying situation.”

Sierzycki said social media is a great asset if used properly.

“I just hope that residents felt that I was at least providing them with some information in a tough time.”

Comments on Kinsmen Park vandalism

After hearing that four La Ronge residents were involved in a vandalism incident at Kinsmen Park on Thursday night, Sierzycki said he had a conversation with Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne.

“I spoke for the region to apologize for any damages that were done,” said Sierzycki.

He said they are thankful to the city of Prince Albert for help in their time of need.

“The great services that Prince Albert gave to our residents, of the whole region, were tremendous and we’re very grateful for that,” said Sierzycki.

“We have a strong relationship in terms of business and trade with Prince Albert, and that’s not going to change.

He said a poor decision by a few people shouldn’t effect anything between Prince Albert and La Ronge going forward.

“Again, my apologies to the city of Prince Albert, and to the residents, and thank them for all the great work that they did for many displaced people.”

asoloducha@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alex_soloducha

by Alex Soloducha

La Ronge mayor discusses disaster planning after evacuation

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