SASKATCHEWAN – It’s going to be more than a week before those evacuated from wildfires in the north will be able to return home.
With no rain in the forecast, and continued dry conditions, it will take time.
“With current weather conditions and dry conditions we’re dealing with, and the size of these fires, its going to take some time for us to get them contained,” explained Bryan Chartrand, Executive Director, Land Operations with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency in an update to the media.
While the goal is to have everyone return to their homes as soon as possible, current conditions are simply not safe to do so.
Currently, there are 24 active wildfires in the province with four of those listed as being not contained. Crews have continued seven fires, 12 are ongoing assessment, and one is protecting property.
Marlo Pritchard, President President and Fire Commissioner with the SPSA, advised the public to “take extreme caution, especially when on or near dry grass.”
He also urges people to avoid travel in affected areas, citing road closures along Highways 155, 925, 914, and 910.
Pritchard also gave an update as to the size of the major fires crews are battling to contain, including the Vermette fire southwest of Dillon, which is an estimated 45,000 ha. Pritchard said “good progress” is being made in that area. Southeast of Dillon, the Shaw fire continues at 84,802 ha., and visibility is being assessed.
The Smith fire north of Pinehouse is 103,624 ha. in size, and crews are assessing visibility. The Wistigo fire southeast of Pinehouse is now 210,362 ha., and crews are working to extend cat lines and water tenders to the northeast side of the blaze, while pinching the southeast side to prevent progression. The Meek fire is 5,165 ha., and a portion has been contained.
The number of evacuees the SPSA is supporting has also grown to 1,403 with 760 people in Lloydminster, 220 people in North Battleford, and 94 in Regina. A toll-free number for evacuees with questions was launched yesterday, being 1-855-559-5502. Information and updates are also available through saskpublicsafety.ca.
“We urge everyone across the province to be diligent,” Pritchard stressed.
Despite the intensity of the fire situation - double the five-year average so far this year - no structural loss has been reported to the SPSA
“We are continuing to asses the fire, and loss values around these fires has been very challenging for us,” said Chartrand. “With the wind changing today, that will open up portions of the fire.”
