2 days ago
Minimal fire growth in Saskatchewan, investigation into human-caused blazes continues
Residents evacuated from the La Ronge area on Monday made a harrowing journey south through another major wildfire, the Ditch fire, that has burned across Saskatchewan Highway 2, a major north-south route. (Source: Facebook / Canadian Challenge Sled Dog Race)
Favourable weather, including lower winds and rainfall, has allowed firefighters to begin directly attacking wildfires in northern Saskatchewan.
'We are seeing that the fire activity has been relatively stable over the past few days,' Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) president Marlo Pritchard said.
The change in weather is allowing repatriation across the board. According to Pritchard, Birch Portage evacuees returned home June 9 - while Little Bear Lake, Moosehorn and Timber Bay evacuees returned home Wednesday.
Meanwhile, residents of Hall Lake, Brabant Lake, Nemeiben Lake, Sucker River, Wadin Bay, English Bay, Sikachu, Clam Crossing, Lac la Ronge Indian Band, La Ronge, Air Ronge, Napatak, Eagle Point, Lamp Lake, Rabbit Creek, Potato Lake and priority one and two individuals in Stanley Mission are all expected to return home in the next day or so.
There are still approximately 10,000 evacuees across the province.
On Wednesday, Premier Scott Moe announced more supports for those forced to flee wildfires, namely a $500 payment to all evacuees 18 years and older.
According to the SPSA, investigators have determined that 80 wildfires this year have been started by humans – with about 30 of those being set intentionally.
RCMP have already laid two arson charges, including against those believed responsible for starting the Ditch02 fire in the Weyakwin area.
As of Wednesday evening, there area 23 active wildfires in Saskatchewan. Six are listed as not contained and two with fire crews protecting values and property.
