Saskatchewan wildfires force families out of their homes

Northern wildfires near Pelican Narrows are forcing residents south to seek temporary shelter.

The first set of evacuees came in to Prince Albert last night, some through bus and others drove themselves. They are currently staying at hotels in the city.

Reynold Sewap said the entire community was covered in smoke as of last week when he went up there to visit.

“When we were in Pelican it was smoky every day. You could see the fires flaring up and burning closer and closer to Pelican,” he said.

Sewap, from Prince Albert, said he is helping accommodate his family and friends in the city.

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“I’m glad that they’re here safe, but for their homes and my home back in Pelican it’s scary because I don’t know if I’m going to be able to go back to the house,” he said. “It’s going to be a great loss for me and all the community members. They’re going to lose all their possessions and all their memories that they have in their houses… they’ll have nothing to fall back on.” 

The manager of P.A’s Travelodge Hotel, Mona Selanders, confirmed another set of evacuees are on their way.

According to Saskatchewan daily wildfire reports online, there are 33 active fires in the province, three of which are expected to grow. 

rebbeca.marroquin@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @becamarroquin