A look at the Shaw fire which forced an evacuation of nearby Buffalo Narrows. (Jr Gerald G Glasser/Facebook

By Derek Craddock

COMING HOME

Evacuees from northern Sask. communities return home

May 25, 2023 | 3:24 PM

Residents of two northern communities have been making their way back home after they were forced to leave due to encroaching wildfires.

The northern villages of Buffalo Narrows and Île-à-la-Crosse lifted their evacuation orders on Wednesday with buses bringing in residents from Regina and Lloydminster Thursday morning.

Both communities issued evacuation orders on May 16 after declaring a local state of emergency.

Mayor of Buffalo Narrows Sandi Ericson said it’s a relief to go back.

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“That’s a long time to be away from home and for those of us that stayed behind,” she said. “So, we’re glad they’re coming home and they’re glad they’re coming home.”

She added not all residents are coming back as some elderly residents, families with kids under the age of five and those with chronic health issues are staying behind for the time being.

Meanwhile, in Île-à-la-Crosse, Mayor Duane Favel said his residents are also grateful the evacuation order was lifted.

“It’s quite stressful and difficult to be away from home for an extended period of time,” he said. “We understand the challenges some of them are having been away from home. It’s a relief.”

Meanwhile, only some evacuees from Buffalo River Dene Nation have been given the all-clear to return home. Those with chronic health conditions and senior citizens will remain in evacuation centres.

Residents of Hall Lake were also given the go-ahead to return to their homes.

Approximately 230 residents evacuated the community on May 16 as smoke from the Wistigo Lake fire, which is still uncontained, became an issue.

Both Favel and Ericson said they are still on alert as the wildfires are still burning, meaning they could be asked to leave again.

The State of Emergency for Buffalo Narrows is still in effect until Sunday with Ericson saying they may extend it.

“Our air quality changes from day to day,” she said. “Luckily, we’ve had two or three cool days so that’s been helping with keeping the smoke out of the community, but if it warms up, it could get bad again.”

As of Thursday morning, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) reported there are 24 active fires, including the Shaw fire which sits less than 20 kilometres from Buffalo Narrows and Île-à-la-Crosse.

The blaze is burning more than 133,000 hectares, which is the biggest of the major fires in the province.

A screenshot from the May 25 wildfire update. (Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency)

-With files from larongeNOW

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @princealbertnow