A view of the LOCK fire located next to ST. George's Hill (Submitted photo/Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency)

By Elliott Knopp

Northwest Saskatchewan Fires

Northwest Saskatchewan communities directed to evacuate as fire crews work to contain wildfires

Jul 13, 2021 | 3:27 PM

More wildfires across Saskatchewan have resulted in Northern communities, including Buffalo River Dene First Nation (BRDFN), St. George’s Hill, Michel Village and Dillon, being directed to evacuate their respective communities.

Initial reports from BRDFN mentioned nearly 60 per cent of residents in the community have already fled on their own initiative or by emergency transports from Canadian Red Cross. In a safety bulletin, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) stated the fire leading to the evacuation order is located next to the Village of St. George’s Hill.

Elmer Campbell, Chief of Buffalo River Dene First Nation, said the community is waiting for the perimeter to be contained and the smoke to begin clearing before residents can return home.

“They have 12 dozers that are working with the water bombers and helicopters, just trying to contain the perimeter so they can contain the fire and address the smoke issue so they can lift the evacuation.”

He added some residents have stayed behind to help protect homes and other items around the community. Campbell mentioned those people are also helping look after pets who may have been left behind due to the swift orders to leave the area.

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“They’re keeping an eye on things in the community. A lot of them are frontline workers, they’re the ones that have gone through this in the past, and they’ve decided to stay back and take care of our homes.”

It is reported that some residents in the evacuation are also observing the lifted public health guidelines to prevent a potential spread of COVID-19 as they do not know who has received their vaccinations.

Shortly after 3:20 p.m. today, the SPSA reported there are 112 active fires across the province. Six of those fires are considered to be contained, 19 are being called active while crews work to protect infrastructure and cabins, and 32 are receiving suppression efforts but are expected to grow in size.

Fifty-five fires are still being assessed for the risk to the respective areas.

A composed list containing the status of fires across the province can be found on the SPSA’s website.

A map depicting the various wildfires across Saskatchewan (Supplied photo/Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency)

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elliott.knopp@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp