Global Courant 2023-05-05 20:57:12
Wildfires in Saskatchewan continue to prompt evacuations of First Nation communities in Saskatchewan.
The Saulteaux First Nation, about 27 miles north of North Battleford, began evacuating areas near a wildfire on Thursday night.
On Thursday, North Battleford Fire Chief Lindsay Holm advised against driving into the community as Battleford Agency Tribal Chiefs (BATC) are evacuating the community and traffic is disrupting efforts to fight the fire and get people to safety. hinders delivery.
The BATC posted on Facebook that the wildfire on Saulteaux First Nation was under control at 4 a.m. CST on Friday and no homes were lost.
A wildfire on the Saulteaux First Nation at 9 p.m. CST on Thursday. (Battlefords Agency Chieftains/Facebook)
Wildfires also affect the nearby Moosomin First Nation. On Thursday, the BATC said fires were raging on the west, northeast and east sides of the First Nation.
As of Thursday night, the BATC estimated that nearly 3,900 acres of land had burned or were on fire.
Arnold Blackstar, the band manager for the Moosomin First Nation, said residents of about 15 homes near the fires have been moved to safer areas on the reservation. He said he was concerned that the fire would spread further.
“The concern is that it’s dry, it’s hot and the wind is shifting, unfortunately there’s no rain in the forecast,” Blackstar said Thursday afternoon.
“The concern is that other residents and even surrounding communities will refrain from open fires at their sites and comply with public safety regulations issued by the county and municipalities.”
Blackstar said he is grateful for firefighting assistance from Moosomin First Nation and other neighboring communities, including North Battleford, Prince Albert and other First Nations.
“The current volunteers we have now, this is their third day,” said Blackstar. “The heat and exhaustion are setting in.
“If there are volunteers willing to come and help, we would certainly welcome that now.”
Blackstar says he is grateful for the firefighting support the Moosomin First Nation has received, but would welcome more help. (Battlefords Agency Chieftains/Facebook)
Blackstar said the First Nation will welcome volunteers of any kind, whether they’re joining front-line firefighters or supporting secondary or third-level services, such as helping evacuees or making sure firefighters have proper supplies. possess.
Blackstar added that wildfires of this magnitude could threaten the First Nation’s traditional practices.
“Community residents depend on the land for livelihoods and other activities related to traditional use,” Blackstar said. “The extreme weather patterns are a signal of changes in the climate. I think all residents should be concerned about their contribution to climate change.”
According to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), there are 14 active fires in the province and six are out of control.
On Wednesday night, Clearwater River Dene Nation was issued a mandatory evacuation order due to a wildfire. About 50 people were bussed to Meadow Lake and Llyodminster. Others left the community in their own vehicles.
A state of emergency was declared in the neighboring village of La Loche on Thursday evening. At that point, the community was preparing for a handful of buses to take residents to Prince Albert overnight, before heading to Regina in the morning.
The SPSA will provide an update at 11:30 a.m. CST on Friday.
