(Submitted Photo/Ministry of Environment)

By Derek Craddock

WILDFIRE SUPPORT

Lloydminster supporting 800 wildfire evacuees, says resources are at capacity

May 17, 2023 | 5:20 PM

Hundreds of wildfire evacuees are still spending their nights in hotel rooms as they wait for any word on when they can return.

During an update on Wednesday, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) explained they’ve been providing support to 113 people in Lloydminster, 169 people in North Battleford and 47 in Regina.

The City of Lloydminster said roughly 800 people are staying in eight hotels in the city after fleeing communities like Buffalo Narrows, Michelle Village and Clearwater River Dene Nation.

READ MORE: CRDN evacuees arrive in Lloydminster after escaping wildfires

Head of emergency management, Andrew DeGruchy said they have been working closely with the SPSA and the Meadow Lake Tribal Council to support those who have left their homes.

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He said despite a large number of evacuees, the city has been able to keep up.

“At this time, our resources seem to be sufficient. We certainly hope that we could host more evacuees (but) with the hotels being full, that resource is at capacity.”

DeGruchy added with the city being at capacity, other places like Cold Lake, Prince Albert, and Saskatoon have taken in other evacuees.

Saskatchewan is currently seeing 24 active wildfires with 5 of them listed as not contained. That includes the Shaw and Vermette fires which forced evacuation orders to be given to many communities in the northwest.

The Public Safety Agency said the majority of fires have been human-caused and the number of wildfires crews are battling this year is double the five-year average.

Bryan Chartrand with the SPSA said there might be more evacuations.

“I’m sure there is going to be other communities that will declare an evacuation. I don’t have any insight at this time, I don’t want to cause any panic,” he said.

Chartrand added he knows many communities are anxious, but they will provide them with all the information with enough time to prepare.

Back in Lloydminster, DeGruchy said they’re anticipating the evacuees will be in the city for some time and are looking to non-profit organizations like The Olive Tree and The Salvation Army for volunteer support.

“They have really strong volunteer structures and the right coverage for their volunteers so we are engaging with them right now,” he said.

The SPSA also activated a wildfire inquiry line at 1-855-559-5502 for anyone looking for the latest updates on the wildfire situation.

On top of wildfire danger, much of the province of Saskatchewan is under a special air quality statement due to widespread smoke.

Environment Canada is anticipating the smoke will linger in many communities for the next few days until northern Saskatchewan and Alberta receive a decent rainfall.

–With files from 650 CKOM

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @princealbertnow