By Nigel Maxwell

Evacuations from northern community nearly complete

Jun 2, 2011 | 6:20 AM

A massive wildfire continues to threaten a community in northern Saskatchewan, but residents are safe.

According to Saskatchewan's fire commissioner everyone is out of the community of the Hamlet of  Wollaston and Hatchet Lake First Nation, with the exception of people fighting the fire.

In the end the Canadian Military helped with the evacuation efforts of the 1,300 people.

Three military planes and four military helicopters helped airlift the final 600 residents to safety, overnight.

Evacuations from the hamlet and nearby Hatchet Lake First Nation have been made difficult due to the fact the fire is burning right next to the airport and smoke has been blowing across the runway.

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Fire Management's Steve Roberts said he expects a shift of winds from the east today and that will hopefully help with smoke concerns.

No buildings have been burnt down so far, but the government says the threat to the community is still “significant.''

See related:

Evacuees happy to be safe, worry about community

Fire shuts down northern airstrip

news@panow.com