Latest news with #CBCNews.In

Economic Times

Wildfire cuts off remote Canadian village, 700 people stranded as airlifts and boat rescues begin

A fast-moving wildfire has isolated Patuanak, a remote Indigenous community in northern Saskatchewan, after severing its only road access. Emergency responders and supply trucks are blocked, complicating medical access and resupply efforts. While the community is not under direct threat, precautions are being taken, including flying in supplies and evacuating residents with complex health needs. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Around 700 residents of a small northern Saskatchewan hamlet are stranded after a fast-moving wildfire severed the only road connecting them to the outside a remote Indigenous community 425 kilometers north of Saskatoon, became isolated this week when flames engulfed sections of Highway 918, its sole road access point. Officials say the blaze has blocked entry for emergency responders, supply trucks, and families trying to escape.'Essentially they are safe, but they are cut off,' said Candyce Paul, the emergency management coordinator for English River First Nation, which governs the community is not under direct threat from flames, the closest wildfire remains about 60 kilometers away, and the road closure has complicated medical access and resupply efforts. Electricity was briefly lost when power poles were scorched, but SaskPower crews quickly restored keep residents safe, supplies including medications have been flown in, and nurses have traveled by boat to reach the community. Paul says many with complex health needs were evacuated to Cold Lake, Alberta before the road was fully cut off.'The ones that needed to be evacuated, they are 90 percent out,' Paul told CBC nearby Beauval, a village roughly 90 kilometers south of Patuanak, the situation remains tense. The village has blocked road access to prevent non-essential personnel from entering, with over 75 percent of its population now Post issued red alerts for both Patuanak and Beauval, with mail services disrupted due to transportation delays. The post office in Beauval is shut down of Friday, Saskatchewan reported 63 active wildfires, 17 not yet contained, and a total of 334 fires so far this season, significantly above the five-year average of 195. The government has issued over $5.5 million in emergency aid, including $500 payments to adults forced to flee their homes.'We have a team operating up there as well,' Paul said. 'Our emergency management team is making preparations for any scenario that comes up.'