Updated 10:30 a.m. Friday
Saskatchewan has followed Manitoba’s lead and declared a state of emergency as wildfire continues to spread—fueled by strong wind and high temperatures.
There are 16 wildfires burning as of 10:30 a.m., with seven not contained. More than 4,000 people have been evacuated. The SPSA is responding to 16 evacuation incidents, and more evacuations could occur in the coming days. Some of the evacuees are travelling as far away as Weyburn and Estevan because hotel space is extremely tight in Prince Albert due to previously scheduled events.
Premier Scott Moe is expecting the situation to worsen before it improves.
The emergency declaration makes it easier for different levels of government to co-ordinate plans to fight the various fires. Moe says he has not directly asked the federal government for assistance but may do so in the days ahead.
One of the larger fires is about twenty kilometres away from the resort community of Candle Lake. Jason, who has a cabin in Candle Lake, says people are doing a good job of staying calm.
Further west, the majority of Prince Albert National Park has been closed to the public.
All back country roads and Kingsmere Road, west of Narrows Peninsula Trail are closed. The community of Waskesiu remains open.
Another fire is burning in the Creighton/Flin Flon area along the Manitoba/Saskatchewan border. Thousands of people evacuated Wednesday on the only highway still open. Kevin Garringer from Humboldt was born in Creighton and his elderly parents were among those driving out of the area on Wednesday afternoon.
An added worry was the fact that Garinger’s father had heart surgery earlier this year. Both his parent are now safe in Saskatchewan
Meantime, three Saskatchewan First Nations are calling for extra resources to fight the fires. The Lac La Ronge Band, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation and Montreal Lake Cree Nation all says they need help because fires are starting to box in some communities.
Premier Moe is asking anyone with Level Three Fire fighting certification to consider contacting local fire control offices so they can be added to current fire fighting resources.
There is also an extended ban on ATV use in northern areas where conditions are extremely dry. There are concerns sparks could result in new fires.
The following information comes from Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency as of Thursday afternoon.
