Watch above: The provincial government says over 50 people have been evacuated from a community in northern Saskatchewan due to a nearby forest fire. Amber Rockliffe reports.
SASKATOON – The provincial government says the northern Saskatchewan community of Black Lake made the decision on Friday evening to evacuate around 53 “health priority” individuals as a precaution due to smoke from a nearby forest fire. Evacuees were sent to Saskatoon.
Staff from the province’s social services and government relations ministries are coordinating evacuation efforts with the community.
“Right now, health services is checking everybody out,” said Candace Lamb, Saskatchewan Red Cross communication coordinator in Saskatoon.
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“There’s a lot of smoke in the community, so we’re making sure everybody’s feeling ok, and organizing some stuff for the kids to do to keep them busy, and just taking care of them while they’re out of their homes.”
READ MORE: Early start to Saskatchewan’s forest fire season
Officials say overnight precipitation has improved the fire situation in the area considerably and the situation is stable.
Fire crews from the ministry of environment are currently on-scene establishing a fire guard around the community.
Amber Rockliffe contributed to this story
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