Carry the Kettle First Nation is under a state of emergency following a massive fire at the community’s water treatment plant Monday night.
“It’s a total loss,” band councillor Shawn Spencer said. “As of right now, our main concern is to get water supply and sit down with officials to mitigate and find a way to get water back to the community.”
Wolseley’s fire department said they were called to the scene at about 9:30 p.m. and were the only crews on scene during the fire.
Officials said they wrapped up shortly before 2 a.m. as the fire was smoldering – leaving the File Hill Fire Department to monitor it.
There was no danger of spreading at that point, firefighters said.
Spencer said residents near the facility were evacuated from their homes and families were sent to the community hall for shelter, as there were concerns of toxic emissions being emitted from the facility.
While residents have since returned to their homes, roughly 1500 people are left without water.
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With no set timeline as to when the water will return, water is being brought in from surrounding communities, local farmers and the Red Cross.
“What’s keeping us strong is the support, community members being optimistic and knowing we are going to succeed from this disaster,” Spencer said.
While the cause of the fire is unknown, donations are being accepted at the local community hall.
The Wolseley Fire Department said they aren’t doing an investigation because they don’t have any written fire agreement with the First Nation.
Carry the Kettle is located 85 kilometres northeast of Regina.
A GoFundMe page has been started.
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