LA LOCHE - The Village of La Loche was placed under a mandatory evacuation order Thursday night. Clearwater River Dene Nation was evacuated Wednesday night.
Roy Cheecham, Band Councillor for Clear River Dene Nation posted on Thursday night that "Lots of houses were saved today. A lot of people worked together and worked very hard."
Six dozers were busy re-establishing fire guards around the communities Thursday and aircraft and ground crews are monitoring and fighting hot spots in other areas in the village, along the highway and around Saleski Lake.
Cheeham posted that two buses left Wednesay night evacuating residents to Lloydminster and Meadow Lake. Three more buses were expected to leave Thursday. Residents are being asked to drive to Lloydminster.
The La Loche Wildfire Update group on Facebaook said that the fire from May 3 was under control and all the houses along lake front are safe with nothing burning down.
A state of emergency was declared in the Village of La Loche at 4:40 p.m. on Thursday. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency said they are supporting the community of La Loche, which is evacuating residents to Regina due to the threat of wildfire.
Residents are being asked to register before they leave. As of 10 p.m. Thursday night, 427 residents had registered for the buses, according to the Northern Village of La Loche. Those going on the bus will have accommodations and meals provided. Those travelling on their own to Regina will also have accommodations and meals provided, as well as one tank of gas for one way.
Two reception centres have been set up to help with the evacuation process.
The Robbie Fontaine Community Hall reception centre is for residents who don’t have a vehicle and need to be bussed out of the community. SPSA is working on bussing and accommodation arrangements.
The Ducharme Elementary School reception centre is for residents who have their own means of transportation out of town.
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