A special air quality statement remains in effect for La Ronge. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

wildfires

Partial evacuation begins for Hall Lake, smoky conditions in La Ronge

May 16, 2023 | 4:08 PM

The partial evacuation of Hall Lake and other nearby communities is currently underway.

That’s according to an urgent message issued by Lac La Ronge Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson at approximately 3 p.m. It stated chronic asthmatic clients, prenatal women, children under five years old and Elders in the communities of Hall Lake, Sikachu, Clam Bridge, Partridge Crop and Besnard Lake are being evacuated.

“According to Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), the Wistogo Lake fire is moving toward Hall Lake. Currently, there is no immediate threat of fire. The fire is about 22 to 25 kilometers from the community and the smoke is getting thick.”

The band is currently working on the buses and accommodations for evacuees. The location for the clean air space and registration is being moved from the Hall Lake Band office to the Sally Ross School. Contact Yvonne Roberts at 1-306-425-8936 or call the school at 1-306-425-5041.

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In addition to the evacuation, band leadership is working to set up air scrubbers in Grandmother’s Bay, Hall Lake, Stanley Mission, Sucker River and La Ronge’s Jonas Robertson Memorial Community Centre (JRMCC). Once set up, all tri-community members who need clean air are invited to go to the JRMCC.

If any community members are experiencing health issues from the smoke, they are encouraged to contact their local hospital or clinic to be assessed.

As of May 16, the SPSA has issued a provincial fire ban for Crown lands, provincial parks, and the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District north of Highway 16. It includes open fires, controlled burns, and fireworks.

“While many people are looking forward to the long weekend, the decision to implement a fire ban is necessary in order to protect lives, communities, major infrastructure, and resources from wildfire,” SPSA president and fire commissioner Marlo Pritchard said in a media release.

There are currently 28 wildfires burning in Saskatchewan. To date, there has been more than double the number of wildfires for this time of year.

Environment Canada is forecasting a 30 per cent of rain in La Ronge for Tuesday and into Wednesday. Both days will have a mix of sun and cloud, followed by sunny skies for the remainder of the week.

A special air quality statement remains in effect as smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility. Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.

“Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations,” the statement notes. “Continue to take actions to protect your health and reduce exposure to smoke.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno