Some of the aftermath of the Cloverdale Fire, as viewed from Highway 55. (Jeff D’Andrea/paNOW Staff)

By Alison Sandstrom

Wildfire watch

All fire evacuees allowed to return home

May 21, 2021 | 12:37 PM

There’s more progress to report Friday on the Cloverdale fire. All evacuees have now been allowed to return home.

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency made the announcement at a Friday press conference. At least 75 households were evacuated because of the blaze. By Thursday, the majority had been given the green light to return. Fire Chief Kris Olsen has called the fact no homes were lost to the fire “truly a success story.”

The fire is still reported as contained at 5,583 hectares.

Steve Roberts, SPSA Vice President Operations told reporters Friday most of the smoke currently being produced by the fire is coming from sawdust piles in the area. Those will have to be torn apart with heavy machinery and then extinguished.

This weekend, a thermal imaging drone will fly the fire zone.

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“[They will] scan overnight when they get best imaging and be able to identify hotspots that are in the fire that are not producing smoke but still need action from our crews so we can extinguish them before the weather warms up,” said Roberts.

The cause of the fire is still unknown. Roberts says it will likely be weeks before investigators from the province and the P.A. Fire Department deliver their report on its cause and origin.

He explained they’re currently collecting witness statements.

The province reports another fire burning near Fort à la Corne is currently uncontained at 1,489. On Thursday, Roberts said that blaze was not threatening any structures.

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alison.sandstrom@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @alisandstrom