Downtown La Ronge hours before residents were told to evacuate on June 2, 2025. (Image Credit: Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

town council

Council appears willing to let some residents stay during wildfire evacuations

Mar 24, 2026 | 4:16 PM

Town council voiced favourable opinions when it came to a letter sent to them to consider a structured stay-and-support system for when another wildfire emergency arises.  

The letter, which was penned by La Ronge resident and La Ronge Cabin Owners Association member Shaune Lapworth, asked council to consider allowing residents with certain skills to remain in the community during an evacuation. He wrote a stay-and-support structure is not meant to interfere with professional emergency services, but allow qualified residents to support emergency operations in roles where they can safely contribute. 

“Many residents possess valuable skills, equipment, and operational experience that could support emergency response efforts,” Lapworth stated.  

“We have mechanics who can keep equipment running, people with logistics and coordination experience, equipment operators, and residents who are capable and willing to assist in practical ways when emergency occurs.” 

All members of council who spoke about the letter were in favour of considering that option. Chief Administrative Officer Lyle Hannan told council the Regional Emergency Plan is currently being updated by Air Ronge, La Ronge, the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, and the Northern Administration District.  

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“The fire chief and I our working with the regional group as our council representative at the table. The way we manage evacuations and the main components are part of that review,” Hannan explained.  

“It’s really a good regional approach to that, but we’re certainly aware there’s interest in the community to do things different, potentially, if that’s palatable and the group feels it is appropriate. I’m sure there will be a consultation process as part of that too, because it will be a big decision that affects everyone in a different way.” 

Coun. Bruce Skilliter noted it is important they take the letter seriously in light of some of the decisions that were made during the June 2025 evacuation. 

“I think we have to really think strongly about some of the stuff that’s in the letter too, because if it wasn’t for the volunteers due to lack of support from government and that, there would be no Wadin Bay, there would be no English Bay, there would be no multiple places without that support,” he said.  

“The amount of work they did and some of the things the government did to put blockades and barriers in place you really had to work around with is something I think we need to look at and support in the best way that we can.” 

Coun. Melissa McNeil was also appreciative of the letter.

“There’s a lot of strengths in our community with the members who live here, and if there is an opportunity where it makes sense, where it’s not a liability to incorporate that into a plan, that would be interesting to see and it would strengthen the response,” she added.  

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com