Photo courtesy La Ronge Fire Department
With a little bit of favourable weather, and much effort, confidence is higher than it was heading into the weekend. That’s from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency and Premier Scott Moe.
Crews continue to battle two main, uncontained fires in the province. The Caford Fire has forced more than 1000 people to evacuate the communities of Red Earth Cree Nation and Shoal Lake. Those residents are now in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, and Moose Jaw.
Also, the Lobstick Fire southwest of Prince Albert has evacuated about 130 people from the RM of Shellbrook. Bryan Chartrand with the SPSA reports no residential homes have been lost. The fire has destroyed some fences, and an unknown number of cattle were moved out of the area, as well.
Premier Moe says he saw the efforts of local fire departments and the SPSA firsthand this weekend during his trip to Prince Albert and Shellbrook.
Crews are currently building up fire protection on the eastern flank of that fire should the wind shift into Prince Albert.
Meanwhile, the NDP is saying it’s been one year since the Wolf fire destroyed over 200 homes in Denare Beach.
NDP Associate Community Safety Critic Hugh Gordon says following that event, and being pushed by impacted residents, the province recruited MNP to complete a review of the province’s wildfire preparedness, communication during the crisis, and actions taken during the season.
He says the report, that was supposed to be released by February, is nowhere to be seen.
“We have not heard a peep from the minister, from Scott Moe or the Sask. Party government as to where that report is and what that report says. That’s a public document. We need to know.”
Premier Moe has since responded, stating that, “We will release it as soon as we’re able…and if there are recommendations that come from the report, we certainly intend to move on those sooner rather than later.”
Gordon says this year’s wildfire season just started, but he is already noticing some recurring themes from lasts year, such as poor communication. For example, the Lobstick fire began on Monday, but Gordons says residents in the area didn’t hear back from the SPSA until Tuesday.
