By David Kirton

Saskatchewan wildfire evacuees wait to return home

Jun 4, 2011 | 9:05 AM

Wildfire evacuees from Northern Saskatchewan will have to wait to return home as officials keep residents away as a precaution.

Hatchet Lake First Nation acting chief Ed Benoanie said the fire that forced 1,100 people from their homes in Northern Saskatchewan is under control and that the smoke has cleared from the area.

Benoanie met with fire officials on Friday afternoon. He said officials decided to keep residents away from the fly-in community to be sure conditions don't change.

“If the fire were to restart again, we don't want to have to restart the evacuation again. So it's just a precaution,” said Benoanie.

He said he doesn't expect evacuees to be able to return home until Monday.

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Snow and rain in the area have helped fire crews contain the blaze and keep it away from buildings and homes.

Fire caused by human activity

Saskatchewan fire officials said human activity is to blame for the Wollaston Lake and Hatchet Lake First Nation wildfire. As of Friday afternoon officials say the blaze still covers 4,400 hectares of forest.

Fire downgraded

Things are starting to look up in Northern Saskatchewan as cooler temperatures make things easier on fire crews near Wollaston Lake and Hatchet Lake First Nation.

While the size of the fire hasn’t changed, Steve Roberts, executive director of the wildfire management program with the Ministry of Environment, said the blaze is now ranked at a Level 3. On Thursday, it was at the most dangerous category, a Level 5.

“We rate it as it is improving based on we don’t have active behaviour around immediately around the community – and it is fire behaviour when it occurs that it is much easier for crews to manage,” said Roberts.

He said it doesn't mean the fire is under control and fire fighters are still on high alert since it is so close to the community.

According to Roberts, a high of 2 C is forecasted in Wollaston Lake with some light rain or snow Friday. It should be a big benefit to firefighting efforts.

The hundreds evacuated from the area still don’t know when they will be returning home as authorities said it’s still too early to set a date.

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