Refunds available for campers at some provincial parks impacted by smoke

REGINA – Wildfires in northern Saskatchewan have prompted the government to offer refunds to campers at some provincial parks impacted by smoke.

Karen Webb with the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport said Wednesday that in particular, Great Blue Heron Provincial Park, Candle Lake Provincial Park, and Narrow Hills Provincial Park are seeing significant smoke in the air from the fires.

She said anyone wanting to cancel their reservation will be refunded as a result.

“There have been a few people that have cancelled but there are still lots of people who want to get out,” she added. “People who want to move and not be camping in those parks, we’ve also been helping them find alternative options within our other parks.”

READ MORE: Complete Saskatchewan wildfire coverage

Two campgrounds in Lac La Ronge Provincial Park, Wadin Bay and Nemeiben campgrounds, will be closed for the remainder of the season due to fire damage.

Accommodating evacuees

Some provincial park campgrounds will also soon accommodate evacuees from the wildfires, by request.

Webb said a number of residents displaced have come forward asking to camp, rather than stay in a shelter.

Evacuees need to contact social services or the Canadian Red Cross and provide proof of a valid address of an evacuation location to be able to stay.

Food and gas vouchers will also be made available.