Creighton and Denare Beach, Sask., under evacuation alerts as out-of-control wildfire burns nearby
CBC
People living in two northeastern Saskatchewan communities are being told to pack their bags and be ready to leave their homes on short notice as an out-of-control wildfire burns nearby.
The Wilson fire has prompted leaders in Creighton and Denare Beach to implement evacuation alerts. The fire threatening the two communities, located near the Manitoba border about 425 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon, started on Wednesday evening.
Brandy Bloxom is among those standing by in Denare Beach.
"When I got on Facebook, it was all over the place and then we got the notice just to be prepared to evacuate on short notice," Bloxom said on Thursday.
"That's just kind of preparing us to pack and stuff. My husband's in the fire department, so he's been out there with them and opening up a road."
Firefighters in Creighton are monitoring the situation and water bombers are expected to be back up and running on Friday, said Mayor Bruce Fidler.
He said the town is not at immediate risk from the fire, which is about five to seven kilometres away from the community.
"It hasn't moved much toward the community, although it has grown in size somewhat. But the the winds have been favourable. So that was a big bonus for yesterday," Fidler said on Friday morning.
He said Creighton got a "fair bit" of rain early Friday, which he believes was helpful in keeping the flames away from the town. However, some lightning came with that rain.
Fidler said the fire was estimated to be 300 hectares in size Thursday evening. He said Creighton residents are anxious.
"Of course, you know, people are worried somewhat and, I mean, that's just normal. But overall it's been good," said Fidler.
He said the fire is tough to access, and ground crews were not able to go into the area Thursday.
"They are hoping to get some in very soon to work on the ground to attack it as well."
Creighton's fire and public works department has set up sprinklers on some of the town's infrastructure as a precautionary measure. Residents are being asked to conserve water during the next few days, as the sprinklers are running on municipal water. Fidler added that the Creighton Fire Department is standing by to assist wildfire crews when needed.