Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency reports floods and fires, depending on where you live

RM of St. Peter near Muenster

While 15 rural municipalities have issued states of emergency due to overland flooding and road closures, another eight have implemented full fire bans in the face of dry conditions.

Jeff Dedekker with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency says RMs experiencing flooding include Invergordon, Meadow Lake, St. Louis, Shellbrook, Arborfield, Lake Lenore, and Lakeview. Seven people were evacuated from Invergordon in recent days due to encroaching water levels.

Dedekker adds that, “Several communities have also declared local emergencies due to washed-out roads in recent days. These include the RM of Lakeside, the RM of Pleasantdale, and the RM of Birch Hills, all effective May 1.”

Leah Clarke with the Water Security Agency says the east central and northeast regions, specifically, are experiencing above- to well-above-normal spring runoff.

“Over the weekend, high flows were observed in the northern portions of the Quill Lakes Basin, the headwaters of the Carrot River, and parts of the Assiniboine River Basin.” She says inflows on the Carrot River range from 1-in-25-year events to 1-in-200-year events.

Peak flows in that area are anticipated within the next four to six days, but there has already been infrastructure damage in the area. Major road closures include Grid Road 777 between Lake Lenore and Spalding, Highway 5 east of Watson, and a culvert near Muenster had to be partially removed under Highway 5.

Dan Palmer with the Ministry of Highways says check the highway hotline before heading out.

“Check the route, and once you get to your location check it again, because we’re seeing conditions and flooding situations are changing rapidly.””

The cooler temperatures we’re experiencing now are expected to help slow down flows slightly.

Meanwhile, grassfires are prompting fire bans to be put in place in the RMs of Meadow Lake, Mariposa, Heart’s Hill, Battle River, Eagle Creek, Eye Hill, and Grass Lake.

SPSA Vice President of Operations Steve Roberts says there have been four grassfires so far this season, all of which occurred in the southern half of Saskatchewan. Regarding floods and fires, he also encourages the public to check their household insurance to see what’s included.

“In the event that there is excessive damage, there is a program, the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program, that may be able to help if you meet their criteria.”