Watch above: While firefighters continue to battle wildfires in Northern Saskatchewan the threat is no longer affecting La Ronge, allowing the majority of evacuees to head home. Amber Rockliffe reports.
Fire evacuees from La Ronge, one of the largest communities in northern Saskatchewan, are being allowed to go home. The town’s mayor has released a statement on Twitter saying the road to the community will be opened for returning residents Friday afternoon starting at 1 p.m.
It also says evacuation orders have been lifted for the neighbouring Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Air Ronge and the subdivisions of Wadin Bay and English Bay.
“We have to bring back about 7,500 people,” explained La Ronge Mayor Thomas Sierzycki.
“The important aspects are community safety – that the residents are travelling safe, making sure we have essential services in place and also ensuring that we have a long-term plan for the economic impact that our community has faced.”
A general evacuation order remains in place for people with chronic illness, children two years of age and younger and pregnant women due to the smokey conditions.
Mandatory evacuation orders remain in place for all residents in the subdivisions of Eagle Point, Nemeiben Lake, Lamp Lake, and the communities of Sucker River, Hall Lake, Sikachu Lake and Clam Lake as fire threats continue to be assessed for those locations.
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The announcement means the majority of the 13,000 people forced out of their homes in the last three weeks will be allowed back.
Essential services such as potable water and electricity are available for returning residents; however natural gas remains turned off. Those people affected will have to call 1-888-700-0427 to have their gas turned back on.
A basic emergency room will be set up at the La Ronge Health Centre that will only focus on emergency medical needs. Officials say it will take 24-48 hours to bring back more staff and set up a full slate of medical services. A pharmacy will be open on the weekend.
Health authorities are advising people to not vacuum their homes when they return because of the smoke residue. They say wet wiping should be done first.
Taps should also be turned on for at least 10-15 minutes to flush the water and to not drink hot water from the tap for the first day. Ice from automatic ice machines should also be tossed.
Mail service is expected to resume by next Tuesday.
Local leaders are advising evacuees to bring home some basic supplies while local stores stock up on goods and wait for staff to return.
An open fire ban remains in place as the fire risk remains high despite the recent precipitation.
Officials are also urging everyone to refrain from sightseeing as emergency crews might be working in areas close to the town.
Emergency officials say most wildfires in the province are under control and rain is aiding firefighting efforts.
With files from Global’s Amber Rockliffe and The Canadian Press
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