Rain means fire evacuees can return home

“That will of course reduce fire behaviour, assist our crews that are still working on the ground” said Roberts. “None of the fires grew in size or have increased in fire activity or increased in threat, as a matter of fact most of them now are no posing smoke or direct fire threats anymore.”

Roberts added that the lightning once again caused a few more small fires but most have been contained.

In terms of damage from the fires, Roberts reports that two homes and 14 cabins were lost in the flames.

“We had crews out yesterday all around La Ronge on the ground identifying whether values had been impacted,” said Roberts. “They will finish notifications of owners today, we hope, for the final round of identified values that we have out there on the landscape.”

With evacuees returning home all temporary shelters set up in Prince Albert and Saskatoon will now be torn down.

According to Karri Kemph, manager of information and emergency services for social services, the shelter at the soccer center in Saskatoon was deactivated yesterday and tear down had already begun.

“In Prince Albert the shelter tear down will begin today as well,” said Kemph. “It’s been a very organized operation and we’ve received some positive feedback from evacuees who were leaving yesterday.”

Kemph said 81 people will return today with two being transferred to the ministry of health and the other 79 going home.

“Our field staff are working with local leadership in La Ronge and have helped them plan, coordinate with all ministries, crowns, agencies, as well as decided and approve the various re-entry plans that are nearing completion,” said King.

He added that cooperation between government agencies as well as volunteers and leadership has worked out very well in this recent evacuation.

jbowler@panow.com

Twitter: @journalistjim

by James Bowler

Rain means fire evacuees can return home

What's Trending