Northern Sask. residents returning home following wildfire evacuation
CTV
A wildfire that forced residents of La Loche and Clearwater River Dene Nation (CRDN) from their homes has been contained, according to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA).
A wildfire that forced residents of La Loche and Clearwater River Dene Nation (CRDN) from their homes has been contained, according to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA).
The state of emergency and evacuation order for La Loche was lifted on Sunday morning, according to a Facebook post from the village council. CRDN followed suit shortly after.
“I am happy to say that the evacuation has been lifted. We will be transporting our members home starting today,” CRDN Chief Teddy Clark said in a Facebook post.
On May 3 and 4, residents were asked to leave the two communities, located about 600 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon, as thick smoke blanketed the area and the fire threatened highway access. About 266 hectares of land burned in the fire, the SPSA says.
CRDN residents were primarily evacuated to Lloyminster and many from La Loche were sent to Regina.
According to a Facebook post from the Village of La Loche, the SPSA chartered buses to bring residents back from Regina on Sunday evening, arriving home by Monday morning.
Roy Cheecham, CRDN band councillor, says the fire was a real wake-up call.
