'We're getting tired of being displaced fire refugees': Patuanak, Sask., evacuates due to wildfire
Prince Albert National Park, Montreal Lake Cree Nation also under threat
Emergency teams reopened the only road into Patuanak early Monday, allowing residents to evacuate as wildfires continue to threaten parts of northern Saskatchewan.
Residents of the hamlet about 425 kilometres north of Saskatoon had been trapped there since Highway 918 was closed more than a week ago due to the Muskeg fire.
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They were instructed to muster at the band hall at 4 a.m. Monday, then convoyed south at the same time that firefighting equipment was being transported north to the community.
"We can't trust that [the equipment] is going to be able to get there after today," Candyce Paul, the emergency management co-ordinator for English River First Nation, said on Monday. "That's why we moved quickly to get our people out in the wee hours of this morning."
Only firefighters and a handful of emergency personnel remain to maintain critical services and assist incoming fire crews.
Late last week, about 280 residents and children were airlifted out. About another 220 people evacuated Monday.
Those newly evacuated are now being housed in Lloydminster, while those evacuated earlier are staying in Cold Lake, Alta. Paul said the rapid response by community staff helped ensure the safety of residents, but major concerns remain about resources.
"The province needs to put more money into the resources that we need to fight fires in the north," Paul said, "because this is our third year of fire affecting our communities.
"We're getting tired of being displaced fire refugees."
Paul said crews are still struggling to get enough bulldozers, water trucks and firefighting personnel into the community. The fire is moving quickly, and conditions are unpredictable with strong southern winds expected to push the flames north over the next three days.
She said the region has already lost vast stretches of forest and cultural resources in recent years — including food sources, wildlife habitat and traditional medicine grounds.
"The only places that aren't burnt in our area are along that 918 corridor," she said. "That's all that's left to burn."
P.A. National Park issues alert
Parks Canada issued a wildfire emergency advisory alert for Prince Albert National Park on Sunday, as the Buhl fire is threatening the region. The fire is about 40 kilometres from the Waskesiu townsite, and could impact air quality and visibility due to smoke.
Officials are advising visitors to avoid travel to the park and for those already in the area to prepare for a possible evacuation.
Carla Flaman, the external relations manager for Parks Canada, told residents in an email that hot, dry and windy conditions have caused the fire to spread into the northern areas of the park.
She said conditions are favourable for the fire to grow larger.
Just west of the park, Montreal Lake Cree Nation issued a pre-evacuation order on Sunday due to the same fire.
"We don't want to alarm people," said vice chief Dean Henderson. "We did put that notification out in case we do [evacuate], to have your medications, your identifications or change of clothes — have those type things ready."
The pre-evacuation notice applies to elders, young people and those with chronic illnesses, who are being moved to North Battleford.
Henderson said wildfire officials are closely monitoring the fire's movement and that a decision on a full evacuation could be made soon.
"We just finished meeting with fire management," Henderson said on Monday morning. "He's going to put a line on our map and say if the fire hits this point, then you guys should start organizing your full evacuation."
Beauval surrounded by blaze
Meanwhile, the mayor of Beauval, Sask., said the village is still surrounded by wildfire, about 340 kilometres north of Saskatoon.
Mayor Rick Laliberte, who has been helping lead the emergency response, is also working on the front lines with volunteer crews, attacking flare-ups with borrowed equipment and slip tanks.
"We're the ones on the ground," Laliberte said on Monday morning. "We see these flare-ups happening at night. We see the smoke during the day and you can't sleep unless you put out these hot fires."
"This fire by no means is under control."
Laliberte said the Muskeg fire continues to burn around La Plonge Lake and into Beauval. It has already destroyed sheds, cabins and a community canteen, but no homes have been lost. He credits the firefighting efforts from local crews, helicopters and out-of-province teams.
"We thought the fire was done with us when it went through the village," said Laliberte. " By no means it's done. It's still flaring up."
"We're trying to save everybody's home. It's not only a human habitat — we have all our relatives that we live up here with. And it's heart-wrenching to see what the bears are going through, the eagles, the ducks, the rabbits, the moose."
Laliberte said fires are just one kilometre from Beauval, with flare-ups threatening the edge of the village. Residents were evacuated last week to Saskatoon and Moose Jaw. He's giving them daily updates through community radio and said it's too dangerous for anyone to return.
"I think evacuees are anxious to come home, but it's not safe," he said.
He's also calling for a national strategy and better federal response to northern wildfires, saying the current emergency plans are outdated and lack sufficient co-ordination and support.
"We need trained personnel, modern equipment, and a better strategy to protect the north," he said.
Île-à-la-Crosse declares state of emergency
The village of Île-à-la-Crosse officially declared a state of emergency as of 3 p.m. CST on Monday, allowing the community to access additional wildfire support and resources through the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA).
While there is no direct fire threat to the community at this time, officials are concerned about worsening air quality from wildfire smoke and the potential for disrupted highway access due to surrounding fires. The village is about 20 kilometres northwest of Beauval.
In a notice posted to Facebook, the Natawihin/Nakasuwenik Clinic encouraged Priority 1 and Priority 2 patients— including those with serious or complex medical conditions — to begin preparing for a possible evacuation.
Residents who choose to leave are being advised to take sufficient medications, as well as any medical equipment or devices they may need during their stay elsewhere. The clinic remains open and will continue to offer phone appointment.
As of Monday at 7 p.m CST, there were 50 wildfires burning across the province, according to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency. Just four were listed as contained.
Up-to-date info on active fires, smoke and related topics is available at these sources:
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With files from The Canadian Press
