Wildfire at James Smith Cree Nation prompts evacuations

A wildfire broke out at James Smith Cree Nation on Saturday, prompting evacuations to a local evacuation centre and nearby Melfort, Sask.

According to the Kinistino Fire Department which first responded to the blaze, the fire was brought under control on Saturday night. It blamed high winds for the spread of the fire, but that many properties were saved by the intervention of local fire crews.

It reported that fire crews from James Smith, Melfort, Garden River and Muskoday all contributed to the effort, while the RCMP assisted with shutting down roads. 

The fire was still listed as uncontained on Sunday morning by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA). As of Sunday afternoon, the fire is estimated to be 100 hectares in size. The SPSA also classified it as human-caused.

In a series of social media posts on Saturday night, James Smith's office of the chief said a gym had been designated as an evacuation site with food and water.

"Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our members. Including getting supplies to those affected and supporting families who have been displaced. The BCCS Gym has been designated as the evacuation centre, and food, water, and additional supports are being coordinated from that location," said Chief Kirby Constant in an email on Saturday.

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency currently lists 15 active fires in the province. Eight are classified as uncontained.